Outreach and Education

Cooperative Extension Service (CES) personnel conduct public meetings and media campaigns to inform the general public, elected officials, community leaders, and school children about the project and water quality in general. In addition, project personnel make many one-to-one visits to cooperating and non-cooperating farmers in the watershed to inform them of project activities and address any questions or concerns they may have.

An education plan developed for Gaston County includes activities in the Long Creek watershed. Also, a Stream Watch group has been formed to 1) educate other watershed residents and 2) conduct quality monitoring by volunteers. Project overviews continue to be presented at state, local, regional, and international water-related conferences.

The Gaston County Conservation District is continuing an extensive natural resources education outreach program to local schools. Eighty-five percent of schools (100% of elementary and junior high schools) located in the Long Creek watershed participate in District programs.

The information and education effort was expanded to an urban watershed that is drained by Kaglor Branch. Streambank stabilization practices and a stormwater wetland were installed in an urban park near the outlet of the Kaglor watershed. A boardwalk to facilitate viewing of various features of the wetland is in place and educational displays along the boardwalk are being planned.