Wicomico Creekwatchers
Wicomico Creekwatchers monitors 25 sites throughout the Wicomico River
system, collecting samples from the following Wicomico
tributaries and ponds (technically known as “impoundments”):
Wicomico Creek, Johnson Pond, Parker Pond, Schumaker Pond, the
East Prong, Mitchell Pond, Coulbourne Mill Pond, Tony Tank Lake,
Allen Pond, Shiles Creek, and Rockawalkin Creek
Each year since it began, Wicomico Creekwatchers has
published a detailed report of its annual monitoring results.
Creekwatchers has shared those reports with citizens, local and
State elected leaders, Maryland Department of Environment,
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies and
organizations. This report presents five years of selected data
and analysis from this monitoring program of the Wicomico River.
Mission
 The mission of Wicomico Creekwatchers is to collect and develop objective, scientifically credible water quality data by recruiting and mobilizing a grassroots volunteer force that monitors the waters of the Wicomico River and its tributaries on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. Through its work, Creekwatchers advances efforts of citizens, businesses, and public officials to ensure that public policies and other management tools adequately protect and preserve Wicomico River water quality.
Since its inception in 2002, Wicomico Creekwatchers has established a set of baseline data for identifying water quality conditions and trends over time.
What You Can Do
In many Chesapeake Bay tributaries, excessive nitrogen and
phosphorus pollution has decreased water quality and the health
of aquatic habitats. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution
stimulates algae growth, diminishes water clarity, and
ultimately reduces dissolved oxygen levels within the water.
These changes reduce a water body’s aesthetic and recreational
values, and impair its ability to support healthy populations of
aquatic life. You can help improve the health of your river and
the Bay:
- Get involved locally - your local organizations and
government can’t do it alone;
- Use lawn chemicals and fertilizers sparingly and only as
directed;
- Create “buffers”—areas that will soak up excess rain
water—by planting native trees, shrubs and grasses;
- Use rain barrels to catch rain water from your roof and
plant rain gardens to trap it on the ground;
- Support your local and regional conservation groups;
and,
- Become a Creekwatcher!
Additional Information:
For more information you can visit the link below:
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/problem.cfm
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