Rappahannock Friends & Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW)
ORMN Project Contact: Mike Wenger - mike(at)wengerandwenger.com
Project Background
Organized locally in 2002, Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW) aims to help preserve, protect, conserve and restore water resources and watersheds in Rappahannock County. It provides complete mapping of the seven watershed areas in Rappahannock County on its website and offers educational programs and resources about stream quality and monitoring and watershed protection. It helps to advance the understanding of how individuals and local government, in concert with state, federal and private organizations, can improve the health of watersheds.
Organized locally in 2002, Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW) aims to help preserve, protect, conserve and restore water resources and watersheds in Rappahannock County. It provides complete mapping of the seven watershed areas in Rappahannock County on its website and offers educational programs and resources about stream quality and monitoring and watershed protection. It helps to advance the understanding of how individuals and local government, in concert with state, federal and private organizations, can improve the health of watersheds.
ED (Education) Activities with Rappahannock Friends & Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW)
Students' Watershed Field Day
Each September, students from grades 6 through high school and their teachers from public and private schools in Rappahannock County participate in an all-day series of learning activities focused on watersheds, water quality, aquatic life, stream buffers, rain gardens, watershed mapping. Before the Field Day volunteers help to prepare the site, which involves removing invasive plants and clearing paths, and set up learning stations along the rain-garden and stream buffer. Volunteers on the day of the event manage the student groups and help teach the students. Expertise is provided by ten different conservation organizations that work with RappFLOW on this activity.
Each September, students from grades 6 through high school and their teachers from public and private schools in Rappahannock County participate in an all-day series of learning activities focused on watersheds, water quality, aquatic life, stream buffers, rain gardens, watershed mapping. Before the Field Day volunteers help to prepare the site, which involves removing invasive plants and clearing paths, and set up learning stations along the rain-garden and stream buffer. Volunteers on the day of the event manage the student groups and help teach the students. Expertise is provided by ten different conservation organizations that work with RappFLOW on this activity.
- Location: 12018 Lee Highway, Sperryville, VA. 22747. Click for directions. Activities will be along the stream beyond the building formerly known as the Old School House.
- Physical Requirements/Safety Hazards: Involvement in these activities may include exposure to heat, cold, dampness, rain, sun, ticks, poison ivy, snakes and insect bites/stings. Some walking over moderate terrain, in rocky streams, as well as muddy areas, may be required.
- Special Requirements: When removing invasive plants prior to the Field Day, boots, long pants and gloves are recommended. In preparation for the Field Day, ORMN volunteers must review the Risk Management policy on the Virginia Master Naturalist website, paying special attention to the “Above Suspicion Policy.”
- Time Commitment: 8 am to 3 pm on Field Day; other hours for site preparation to be announced.
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Watershed Education
ORMN volunteers give a public presentation on watershed preservation.
ORMN volunteers give a public presentation on watershed preservation.
- Location: Varies.
Physical Requirements/Safety Hazards: None known. - Special Requirements: Mastery of the general topic, ability to communicate effectively, interest in educational role. If youth are involved, ORMN volunteers must review the Risk Management policy on the Virginia Master Naturalist website, paying special attention to the “Above Suspicion Policy.”
- Time Commitment:Varies, includes preparation time
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ST (Stewardship) Activities with Rappahannock Friends & Lovers of Our Watershed (RappFLOW)
Stream and Pond Restoration
Volunteers prepare the banks for planting, and install native shrubs, wildflowers and trees in the buffer area and emergent plants at water’s edge.
Volunteers prepare the banks for planting, and install native shrubs, wildflowers and trees in the buffer area and emergent plants at water’s edge.
- Location: Various, as announced by RappFLOW.
- Physical Requirements/Safety Hazards: Involvement in this activity may include exposure to heat, cold, dampness, rain, sun, ticks, poison ivy, snakes, and insect bites/stings. Some walking over moderate terrain, slippery banks and muddy areas may be required.
- Special Requirements: None known. If youth are involved, ORMN volunteers must review the Risk Management policy on the Virginia Master Naturalist website, paying special attention to the “Above Suspicion Policy.”
- Time Commitment: Varies. RappFLOW announces the planting, installation and other activities as scheduled.
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