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Watershed Awareness Month
By Producer, Kelly Meinhart
 e've
all heard the widely used quote of the infinitely wise Margaret
Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing
that ever has." It is with that motto in mind that I'd like
to tell you about an initiative which has come to fruition.
This is an initiative that began with a few caring individuals,
and in just a few short months has evolved into a revolution
of sorts. A revolution for watersheds. These very passionate
folks decided that it was time to take watershed conservation
efforts to a new level - to unite communities in support of
watershed protection, and to enhance the educational efforts
within our schools and within our community groups. It was
with these goals in mind, that Watershed Awareness Month was
created. The agreed upon theme for the initiative: "The Watershed
Connection: Land, Water and You."
he purpose of Watershed Awareness Month (WAM) is to promote
the importance of watersheds by encouraging and supporting
volunteer community organizations, educators and other groups
to conduct watershed education and awareness activities throughout
the month of May. Many municipalities, county conservation
districts, local watershed organizations and other civic groups
have organized watershed tours, stream clean ups, educational
activities, and even the first watershed festival, held in
the Bear Creek watershed.
he co-chairs of the event, Ed Wytovich of the Eastern
Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Drainage, Ann
Devine of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, and
Susan Parry of the Pa Organization for Watersheds and
Rivers first began organizing this momentous occasion
in late summer 2001. Ann explains, "The idea behind WAM
came about at the National Watershed Forum in Arlington,
VA last June during the Education and Outreach subcommittee
meeting. Ed and I were both on that committee and I agreed
to help him get WAM started in PA. The hope is to have
it expand nation-wide (similar to earth day). This year,
both Hawaii and New York State are also participating
in WAM."
ot only were the WAM chairs successful in bringing together
a group of dedicated individuals to get the statewide
events organized, but they were also successful in engaging
the support of Governor Mark Schweiker. Governor Schweiker
has shown his appreciation of the importance of our
watersheds through the Growing Greener program, and
has now joined the WAM organizing committee in the celebration
of our watersheds by officially proclaiming the Month
of May as Watershed Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
he
Governor's proclamation, upcoming watershed events,
and educational activities were officially announced
and celebrated during a kick-off event in the main
rotunda at the State Capitol building on May 1.
Ed Wytovich hosted the event, with the support of
over one hundred middle and high school students,
and members of the Harrisburg Boys and Girls Clubs.
The students joined the Wiconisco Creek Restoration
Association's Crick Pickers in song, with their
own version of "This Land is Your Land."
he
song resonated throughout the Capitol, with onlookers
finding themselves spontaneously singing along with
the chorus, in support of the message, and in support
of these young adults who bring hope to us all that
the future of our environment will be in good hands.
 d
comments, "It is important to pass on a legacy of
stewardship to the younger generations so that they
learn to work with nature, not against her. In this
way we will be insuring that the mistakes that were
made in the past will not be repeated." He continues
with a phrase that has become Ed's motto, and one
that I find myself now saying to others as well,
"Whatever we do to the air and land we also do to
the water."
he
kickoff event is just the beginning of this watershed
celebration. Educational activities and many watershed
tours, float trips, cleanups, and other water
quality related programs which will be continuing
throughout the month. Susan Parry, Watershed Programs
Coordinator for POWR, and WAM Co-Chair comments,
"It is through participation in events like this
going on during Watershed Awareness Month that
public awareness increases, and communication
among watershed groups and government is enhanced."
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Click on the photo to enlarge
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To find out how you can get involved, check out
the website which has been set up specifically for
WAM events, at: www.pawatersheds.org.
WAM Key Committee Members Include:
Ed Wytovich
Ann Devine
Susan Parry
Gil Hirschel
Kristen Wolf
Gina Mason
Terri Kromel
Robert Hughes
Heath Hines
WAM Supporting Organizations:
Audubon
Pennsylvania
Canaan
Valley Institute
Catawissa Creek Restoration Alliance
Chester County Parks and Recreation
Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation
GreenWorks.tv
Interstate
Commission On The Potomac River Basin
Luzerne Conservation District
Mahanoy Creek Watershed Association
PA
Alliance for Environmental Education
PA Fish and Boat Commission
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
PA Department of Education
PA Department of Environmental Protection
PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers
Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance
Stroud Water Research Center
Susquehanna
River Basin Commission
Swatara Creek Watershed Association
Tioga River Watershed Reclamation Projects, Inc.
Trough Creek Watershed Association
Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Western
PA Conservancy
Wildlands
Conservancy
York County Conservation District
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