Benjamin Franklin Middle School Students Participate in Creek Week
ROCKY MOUNT, VA – The Western Virginia Water Authority (Authority), Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), and Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering once again with Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BFMS) for their annual Creek Week program. Each spring, all Franklin County sixth grade students use the outdoor classroom built on the school’s property to study the water quality of Powder Mill Creek. This year, students will be at the creek on April 23, 24 and 28.
Started in 2013 by the Western Virginia Water Authority to give students the opportunity to learn about watersheds, environmental impacts of pollution and best management practices to improve water quality in their own community, this program features classroom education and hands-on learning along Power Mill Creek on the campus of BFMS. Prior to going to the creek, educators from the Authority coordinate with science teachers at BFMS to prepare students for their Creek Day. Students learn about watersheds, point and non-point source pollution, and best management practices. A simulation activity where students search for and classify benthic macroinvertebrates is also used in the classroom so the students understand how the macroinvertebrates they find in the creek can be used as indicators of water quality. During creek week, the students rotate through different volunteer-run stations at Power Mill Creek, using chemical tablets and electronic readers to test for temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. Students also get the opportunity to collect and analyze benthic macroinvertebrates from the creek alongside master naturalists from SMLA to determine the health of the stream.
“We always welcome the opportunity to take students outside of the traditional classroom setting and connect them with the environment,” said Laura Schirmer, Public Relations Specialist at the Western Virginia Water Authority. “This is such a meaningful and memorable experience for the students, and we look forward to partnering with local organizations to make this program happen each year.”
Students also get the opportunity to collect and analyze benthic macroinvertebrates from the creek alongside SMLA Save Our Stream volunteers to determine the health of the stream.The SMLA volunteers helping students in the stream are trained and certified stream monitors who conduct semi-annual stream assessments on 20 tributaries to Smith Mountain Lake.
“Creek Week is more than an educational experience. It is a vital collaboration between students, teachers, and volunteers dedicated to our local ecosystem. By bringing our community together to study stream health, we ensure SML remains clean and safe for everyone,” said John Vidovich, president of SMLA.
ABOUT THE WESTERN VIRGINIA WATER AUTHORITY
The Western Virginia Water Authority employs over 300 employees to provide drinking water for the City of Roanoke and the Counties of Roanoke, Franklin and Botetourt and sanitary wastewater service for the greater Roanoke Valley. Free in-class and education outreach programs, tours and field trips are offered to school groups in the Authority’s service area. Water science programs are centered around Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) and offer experiential lessons both in the classroom and outdoors. Learn more and sign up for a program by visiting www.westernvawater.org. Please contact Lilly Meighan (lillian.meighan@westernvawater.org) to coordinate interviews.
ABOUT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE ASSOCIATION
The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) mission is to keep Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe. Established in 1969, SMLA is the longest serving advocate for the SML community. Activities help to retain the pristine beauty of Smith Mountain Lake and the vibrant local economy. SMLA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer-led organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs that protect SML. To learn more visit www.SMLAssociation.org.
ABOUT BLUE RIDGE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District promotes conservation of our natural resources in Franklin, Henry, Roanoke Counties and the City of Roanoke including all their incorporated towns through education and cost-share programs. Through education outreach and administration of cost-share grants, producers and homeowners are supported in efforts to protect the soil and water resources in the district’s area.
