White Clay Watershed Association

CATCH THE RAIN: Continued work on the Catch the Rain program, a green stormwater infrastructure rebate program for residential property owners in the White Clay watershed. This fiscal year generated 36 site visits and reports, and awarded 12 residential rebates totaling $18,674.82 for conservation landscaping, rain barrels, rain gardens, and tree planting practices. This program also includes quarterly workshops and development of educational materials to promote the program and practices. A part time independent contractor helps with program outreach and implementation.

STREAM WATCH:The mission of the Stream Watch program is to increase citizen community engagement in water resource protection and improve knowledge of stream conditions based on measured stream data. Ten fixed sites are monitored monthly for nutrients, chlorides, temperature and conductivity. 30 fixed bacteria sites (20 in PA/10 in DE) are sampled and analyzed for E. coli, fecal coliform, and enterococcus during the recreational season. Data is provided to state regulatory agencies, PADEP and DNREC, every two years.

CHRISTINA WATERSHEDS MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP:Technical assistance and planning support to watershed municipalities to advance understanding of watershed needs and opportunities concerning regulatory requirements. Liaison and unified representation, coordination, and communication with regulatory agencies on behalf of municipal concerns. Annual workshops are provided to participating municipalities to enhance their knowledge of municipal stormwater solutions and regulations

EDUCATION AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS:Management of the whiteclay.org website and social media. Development of educational materials and presentations for multiple audiences, attendance at public events. Transportation and program costs for watershed schools and community groups to attend hands-on watershed science programs.

CREEK FEST:White Clay Creek Fest, our largest outreach event, is hosted with Delaware State Parks at White Clay Creek State Park every May. The mission of Creek Fest is to increase community awareness of the valuable natural and historic resources of the White Clay Creek Valley.