James River Watershed Going Extreme!

No, it's not another reality TV show! The Horsepen Creek, a tributary of the James River (VA), recently got an "Extreme" makeover.

This effort, lead by the James River Association, involved the implementation of 13 watershed restoration projects in seven locations. Over 700 volunteers, young and old, helped pick up trash along 1 mile of stream; planted over 2,500 trees, shrubs and flowers; installed 5 rain gardens and bioretention areas to treat stormwater; installed 972 square feet of permeable pavement; educated 230 students on their connection to the James River; trained and equipped 35 homeowners for installing rain barrels at their homes; and planted 1.8 linear miles of stream buffers. The project was initiated by local garden club groups with the desire to improve the creek. http:// www.extremestreammakeover.org 

Source: Center for Watershed Protection's Runoff Rundown, Fall/Early Winter 2008

F.X. Browne, Inc. has been working with the Fairfax County (VA) Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Planning Division to develop Watershed Management Plans for the Horsepen Creek and Sugarland Run watersheds, as well as the Nichol Run and Pond Branch watersheds. For more information on stormwater or watershed management, contact us at info@fxbrowne.com.