March 2023 Keeper’s Report
Welcome to your March 2023 Keeper’s Report!
We are so happy to recognize Cheryl Carmack, our leader of science and volunteerism, and the stellar crew of recently certified Creek Watchers (pictured above). These individuals will be collecting data and reporting on the health of your waterways every month. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Charleston Waterkeeper thrives on synthesizing data to keep you informed and to support action on the issues that impact your waterways. This past month we removed over 600 lbs of debris from recycled oyster shell, planted over 15,000 Spartina seedlings, deployed passive samplers with NOAA that test for pesticides and PAHs, trained 25 Creek Watchers, and responded to several pollution reports from local citizens who are passionate about making sure your waterways are clean and healthy.
Looking ahead, water quality testing picks up steam in April and our Swim Alert bacteria testing starts in May providing you and your family with the information you need to get out on the water this spring! We are actively engaged in important issues like the Union Pier redevelopment, the effort to clean up bacteria pollution in James Island Creek, the massive development development on the Cainhoy peninsula, and more. We will keep you updated every step of the way.
The common thread in all of our work is an unwavering belief that together we can create a Charleston where all your waterways are healthy, and protected!
Latest News
Human waste in Beaufort’s May River?
The same thing is getting ready to happen in Awendaw if state and local authorities keep permitting neighborhoods with densely packed homes and septic tanks for sewage treatment. This problem can be prevented.
The Post and Courier: Read more
James Island Creek sewer spill!
This is an old section of pipe with repeated problems that crosses a creek with known bacteria pollution issues. A long-term fix should be a top priority and we are working diligently with residents and local leaders.
The Post and Courier: Read more
Citizen scientists at work
Our Creek Watchers are tracking the health of many local waterways and we’re proud to continue to build this team of dedicated citizen scientists with partners like Mount Pleasant Waterworks.
The Post and Courier: Read more
🌊 Member Spotlight 📣
Bea Girndt
We are proud to call Bea our friend, supporter, champion and advocate! Bea is a true conservationist and waterway steward with a depth of knowledge and expertise in land conservation and building strong and meaningful connections. If you haven’t had the great pleasure of knowing, Bea, we are super excited to share!
Public Waterway Access Map
The law says your waterways belong to you! You have a right to use and enjoy them for swimming, fishing, and boating. Check out our public access map and get out there today, you might just find your new favorite spot.
Events
Earth Week!
Collaboration is key! Thank you to Lowcountry Land Trust for bringing together over 40+ nonprofits in the area to launch Earth Week events across the Lowcountry. Stay tuned for the final calendar of event!
Site coming soon!
A few spots left!
We’re teaming up with lots of community partners for the Newmarket Creek Sweep on the Lowcountry Lowline this weekend! Space is limited so sign up before all the spots are full!
Join us: Learn more
Are you up for the challenge?
We’re excited to team up with DNR SCORE to offer a new volunteer activity – Building Marsh x Muscle! This is our most physically challenging volunteer event yet! Volunteers will be digging up pluff mud to make a new creek channel in the marsh.
🦪 Clean Water Updates 🌱
Service Saturday success!
We worked with the Bonner Leaders at the College of Charleston for their Service Saturday event! We conducted a water quality demo with the students before sending them out to do a litter cleanup and to help collect Spartina seeds! Thanks, Bonner Leaders!
| Meet your new Creek Watchers! 🏅 We hosted two Creek Watcher workshops to get new and returning volunteers certified under the South Carolina Adopt-A-Stream Program! Volunteers are trained to conduct independent monthly testing at a site they adopt. Email: [email protected] |
Passive Samplers deployed 👏
We went out again to put out passive samplers for our ongoing project with NOAA. These bands sit in the water for about a month and will help us monitor for pesticides and PAHs. Cool things are in the works for this project!
There is still time to join!
Our weekly volunteer activities will be wrapping up with DNR SCORE soon as we get into the busy spring season. There’s still time to clean recycled oyster shell and plant Spartina seedlings. Get in on the fun while you still can!
#ChasWaterkeeper
Union Pier
This is a generational opportunity to return a portion of the Charleston peninsula shoreline to the public where it belongs. The built environment at the Union Pier site must support and encourage public access for crabbing and fishing. Public access must be on a human scale–not just marinas, piers, and promenades.
Let’s Get Social
Don’t miss any of the action for clean water: especially the weekly restoration events! Be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now LinkedIn!
