Guardians of the West Fork Watershed
Dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the ecological integrity of the West Fork River, its tributaries, and its watershed
The Guardians Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, 15 November 2023 at the Clarksburg Water Board and online, followed by a membership meeting at 7:00 p.m.
We will be meeting the US Fish and Wildlife Service Americorps members and hearing about their work in our watershed.
If you are interested and not on the email list, email admin@guardiansofthewestfork.org for the logon information.
The Guardians Board will host a brainstorming session for potential partner organizations and anyone interested in the health of our watershed – land, water, plants, animals, and people – at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, 18 October 2023 at the Clarksburg Water Board and on Google Meet.
The Board will meet for business at 6 p.m., before the brainstorming session. Members and visitors are welcome to attend.
If you are interested and not on the email list, email admin@guardiansofthewestfork.org for the logon information.
Two opportunities for volunteer training in stream monitoring coming up soon.
From West Virginia DEP Save Our Streams with Callie Sams next Tuesday, October 10, on Gandy Creek in Mon National Forest
Save our Streams Workshop Tuesday, October 10
Participate in this citizen science training and learn how to conduct a biosurvey to monitor the health of a stream. The workshop will be conducted at the Swallow Rock Campground but we will arrange a carpool from Buckhannon/Elkins. Please email jessica.a.bryzek@wv.gov for more information and to sign up for the training.
And from West Virginia Rivers on the Greenbrier later in October
Volunteer water monitors: citizen scientists- Public News Service
Our last pop-up paddle of 2023 got rained out. Paddles will start up in April 2024, and we hope to expand to more locations. We had over a hundred participants.
Thanks to Kim Drummond, VISTA Jessica Bryzek, Robert Helfer and Lisa deGruyter for organizing and leading.
The Guardians Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, 20 September 2023 at the Clarksburg Water Board and on Google Meet. This month is a great opportunity to come meet the Board and members and learn about our work.
At 7:00, Martin Christ, WVDEP Northern Basin Coordinator, will give us an overview of the health of the watershed, what and where the major problems are, projects done by the Guardians over the years, projects prior, ongoing, and prospective by others (dam removal, mining mitigation, Conservation District projects, superfund cleanups), what monitoring is being done, and our relationship with DEP, and what other state and federal agencies have what responsibilities and interests, and other organizations.
There will be time for questions, and refreshments and conversation following the program.
If you are interested and not on the email list, email admin@guardiansofthewestfork.org for the logon information.
Guardians board members and supporters gathered last week for a potluck dinner to celebrate the retirement of Mike Murphy from the board of directors.
Mike has been an integral member of the Guardians for nearly 20 years! From collecting water samples to mowing and maintaining river access points, Mike has dedicated countless hours to restore and protect the West Fork.
Mike has an unparalleled love for the West Fork, having fished and spent time on nearly every section of the river since the 1970’s. Mike says its the sights and sounds of the river that call to him. He especially loves seeing the great blue herons, kingfishers, eagles, and listening to the chortle of red bellied woodpeckers.
Mike, thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge and love of the West Fork. The Guardians, the West Fork River, and all the critters sincerely thank you for your dedicated service.
Want to get involved and volunteer with the Guardians of the West Fork? We are always looking to add more river-lovers to our team! Email admin@guardiansofthewestfork.org to share your interests.
Unfortunately, we have decided to cancel the stream clean up scheduled for this Saturday August 19th. The river is running high and murky due to recent rains. It is difficult and unsafe to remove trash when the river is not clear.
Thank you for supporting the West Fork!
Are you looking for an opportunity to get involved with your local river? Or perhaps you’ve floated the West Fork before and noticed tires and other debris?
Join us for a stream clean up this Saturday August 19th starting at 10AM at Good Hope Public Access Site (39.176407, -80.437942). We will float and pick up trash along a 6 mile segment to West Milford Public Access.
Bring your own boat or borrow one of ours! We will provide trash bags and gloves courtesy of the WVDEP REAP program.
Sign up required here: tinyurl.com/goodhopecleanup
The Guardians meeting this month will be a potluck celebration of Mike Murphy, retiring long-time Board member. Congratulations on your long service, Mike!
We will not be meeting at the Water Board this month. If you are interested and not on the email list, email admin@guardiansofthewestfork.org for directions. If you would like to participate online, email and we will set up a Google Meet.
Join us for a stream clean up on a 6 mile segment from Good Hope to West Milford! Picking up trash along the river not only improves the physical appearance of the stream but helps restore the natural integrity. The aquatic critters thank you for helping clean up their home!
We will meet at 10 AM at the Good Hope Public Access Site off Rt. 19 south of West Milford. The public access site is behind Hawks Nest Convenience Store
We will provide trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers. You are welcome to bring your own boat, but we will also have canoes available to use. Life jacket and whistle are required for each boat and individual.
Sign up here: tinyurl.com/goodhopecleanup
Follow the event on Facebook for more updates.
If you would like to remove tires, please bring a shovel you don’t mind getting dirty.
We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and wearing close toed shoes if you plan to get out of your boat.
We hope to see you there!
Guardians of the West Fork Watershed