For Red Bank Elementary Schools’ second Stream Team of the year, the students evaluated the school property for creek friendliness. We began our program evaluating the school’s campus for mindful stormwater practices, such as rain gardens, erosion control management, and native plant gardens. Students detected an erosion problem near the campus rain garden, and noticed that litter on campus may be making its way into the stream. Ultimately, the students determined the campus only needs one more creek friendly project to receive a My Tennessee: Clean Water Starts Here Bronze Award! The remainder of the program was spent brainstorming ideas on how to mitigate erosion and prevent future issues. The RBES Stream Team is very excited to spend the rest of the school year exploring Mountain Creek and doing their part to keep it clean and healthy.
On the same day, we met with Spring Valley Homeschool group to spend time in Mountain Creek learning about macroinvertebrates and other creek critters! Homeschoolers got dirty stomping through the creek, using nets and scopes to view critters up close. They discovered and investigated dragonfly nymphs, fly larvae, frogs, salamanders, and variant species of fish. While Mountain Creek displays some biodiversity, it could be improved through restoration and healthy watershed practices!
Waterways is proud to serve the Spring Valley/Mountain Creek area by surveying homes and businesses to create a creek friendly community! We look forward to more programs and projects in Mountain Creek. If you’re interested in creating or being awarded for your creek friendly yard and you live in the Mountain Creek watershed, check out our program, My Tennessee: Clean Water Starts Here!
