At Guardians of the West Fork, we are thrilled to share a remarkable story of youth engagement and environmental stewardship. Recently, a group of West Virginia 4-H’ers made a surprising discovery in the West Fork River during a STEM activity at WVU Jackson’s Mill. Their water samples revealed E. coli levels at 700, significantly higher than the healthy range of 100 to 130. This alarming finding prompted further investigation and underscores the importance of protecting our local waters.
This discovery was made possible through the Save Our Streams (SOS) workshop. The SOS program trains volunteers to monitor water quality and engage in citizen science, providing valuable data to inform environmental decisions. By equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to assess water health, we empower them to become active participants in preserving our natural resources.
The 4-H’ers’ involvement in this project exemplifies the power of hands-on learning and community engagement. Their findings contribute to a broader understanding of water quality issues and highlight the need for continued efforts to safeguard our watershed. At Guardians of the West Fork, we are committed to fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment among youth, ensuring a sustainable future for our community.
We extend our gratitude to all who participated in the SOS workshop and to the 4-H’ers for their dedication to environmental stewardship. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health of the West Fork River and inspire the next generation of guardians for our watershed.
Guardians of the West Fork Watershed 