Global Thoughts and Local Actions
We Invite You to Get Involved in ECWA
Cleanup Crew
The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association is the epitome of acting locally. We take issues of national importance - wetlands, urban stream degradation, nature's place in the city and people's place in nature - and apply them to a local waterway. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors and your local creek while helping the environment. See our Do It Yourself page for suggestions on how you can take positive steps for the creek in your own backyard.
Because we are a young organization with a rapidly evolving mission, there is great opportunity for anyone with an interest to make a big difference. You can start your own creek-friendly project, or join in with an initiative already underway.
Join Us!
Attend a Monthly Board Meeting or Become a Member
Come to our monthly meetings and see what we're up to, or just give us a call/email.
Monthly Meetings
2ndTuesday of every month at 8pm
For the location contact Diana at 698-8161 or dianat (at) ellerbecreek.org or check the ECWA calendar
Like the old brick tobacco warehouses downtown, Ellerbe Creek is one of Durham's sleeping assets. Be an agent for positive change in Durham by becoming a member of ECWA.
Use our online to join ECWA today.
For further information contact Diana at 698-8161 or dianat (at) ellerbecreek.org
ECWA'S Mission Mirrored in Parks Survey Results
Meeting the Needs of Durham Residents
Results of a recent Durham Parks survey show that city residents want more places to walk, wide open vistas, and more attractive parks.
ECWA plays a key role in filling these needs:
The great feedback we get on our wetland gardens in Indian Trail Park suggests that these plantings could beautify other lowland parks as well, e.g. Northgate Park and Forest Hills Park.
Most land conservancies focus on preserving large, rural tracts. That leaves an urban land trust like ECWA to save relatively small undeveloped parcels in the city. As we quickly grow into this role, grant research and writing, fundraising and contacting landowners become increasingly vital activities. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated and fully tax deductible.
Large, prairie-like landscapes exist on the east and west ends of Durham, in the Ellerbe Creek watershed. ECWA is fighting to save these special places as safe, exhilarating places to walk, and habitat for rare plants and birds.
ECWA Activities
A Partial List of the Ways in which Current Members are Involved
Some of the specific activities in which ECWA members are actively involved are listed below. A comprehensive list can be seen on the ECWA Initiatives page.
EXPANDING STREAM WATCH ACTIVITIES
Adopt your part of the watershed, or help out with fish surveys and water sampling. Learn about aquatic life and help build a data base to monitor the creek's health. Contact Diana at 698-8161 or dianat (at) ellerbecreek.org.
REDUCING STORM WATER RUNOFF
ECWA supports numerous activities associated with storm water runoff including using mulch as a way to rebuild topsoil, redirecting storm water for maximum effect, storing the water in rain barrels, and controlling mosquito populations.
For more information see our articles on Storm water runoff and Controlling mosquitoes.
