There are many options for helping ensure that our local streams, rivers, and lakes stay clean for drinking water and family activities like swimming and fishing. Have fun with your neighbors at a stream clean up, join a watershed association, or participate in programs that help protect and restore critical areas like streams and wetlands.
Check out the groups below to see what others are doing in your neighborhood and find out how you can make a difference.
- The North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) and the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA) have teamed up to preserve and restore streams and wetlands in your neighborhood. You may be able to participate by working with us to restore the stream you live on, by placing your land in a conservation easement, or by selling or donating your land. If you're interested in learning more, call Heather Saunders of the UNRBA at 919.558.9319 or send her an email.
- The City of Durham has launched the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Improvement Project to improve the health of the Ellerbe Creek and to create value for local neighborhoods. Public involvement is an important component in the success of this effort. Visit the city's website to learn more.
- The Friends of South Ellerbe Creek is an informal group of citizens dedicated to conserving and enhancing the scenic, recreational, natural and historic qualities of South Ellerbe Creek by performing stream cleanups, monitoring streams (great for people interested in science), adopting streams, and raising awareness.
- The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association hosts monthly stream cleanups and works on local watershed issues. Visit their Do-It-Yourself page for suggestions on how you can take positive steps for the creek in your own backyard or get involved in an ECWA Initiative.
- The City of Durham's Stormwater Services Division has numerous programs and resources, such as Adopt-a-Stream, Pollution Prevention Tips, School Presentations, Speakers' Bureau, Storm Drain Identification Project, Waterways Newsletter, and the Neighborhood Environmental Action Team (NEAT). The City also publishes an annual "State of Our Streams" report with information on local environmental quality.
- The Durham County Soil & Water Conservation District provides technical assistance, educational information, and economic incentives for conservation activities, especially for agriculture. Call Eddie Culberson at 919.560.0558 or email him.
- The Neuse River Foundation (NRF) is a citizen-based group that monitors, advocates for, and educates about the Neuse River. The foundation also organizes the Muddy Water Watch, a citizen-based monitoring group that watches out for sediment and erosion control violations. Contact the NRF to learn more.
- Durham County Cooperative Extension Service provides technical and financial assistance for best management practices and stream restoration projects. Contact Cheryl Lloyd at 919.560.0525.