DURHAM -- Area residents interested in discovering and exploring local streams and lakes should mark their calendars now to participate in Durham's second annual Creek Week.
Creek Week 2010, March 20-27, will provide more than 20 opportunities for residents to enjoy educational programs and recreational activities while doing their part to help protect waterways through volunteer projects.
Opportunities for residents to explore Durham's hidden gems include several canoe and kayaking excursions (both day and evening), nature walks and hikes, creative reuse projects, and crafting opportunities.
On March 24, residents are invited to join local river experts for "Your Creek, Our Water: A Hands-on Learning Model" from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave. Admission is waived for county residents on March 24 as it is on all Wednesdays between 1 and 5 p.m.
Creek Week will also feature opportunities for residents and organizations to get involved in cleaning up local rivers and streams. On March 20, stream clean-ups will occur at 10 locations throughout the community. On March 27, the city will sponsor an Adopt-a-Stream Workshop for groups interested in learning how to take long-term care of a creek.
Along with these activities, a speakers bureau will be available to schools, churches, and civic groups during Creek Week. Topics include water conservation, preventing water pollution, protecting drinking water, North Carolina river basins, water quality monitoring, and "greener" landscaping.
"Creek Week is a wonderful opportunity for Durham residents to discover local natural areas and to make a difference through volunteer projects," said Dorothea Pierce, executive director of Keep Durham Beautiful, Inc. "We hope these events will serve as a reminder about Durham's beauty and how we can all be a part of enhancing our community."
Creek Week is a collaboration of many organizations, including the city and county, the Eno River Association, North Carolina State Parks, Haw River Assembly, Frog Hollow Outdoors, Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, Keep Durham Beautiful, Inc., and Northeast Creek Stream Watch.
For a detailed schedule, including dates and locations of stream clean-ups, nature walks, and river excursions, visit www.keepdurhambeautiful.org and click on "Creek Week."
For more information about any of the events during "Creek Week 2010," contact Laura Webb Smith at (919) 560-4326, ext. 30235, or via e-mail at laura.smith@durhamnc.gov.
