You Can Become a Master Stream Steward!

Swannanoa River

Here in Swannanoa, we’re reminded constantly of the importance of water to our community and our lives.  It’s hard to go anywhere in Swannanoa without seeing water — whether it’s the river, the ponds, or one of the many creeks that flow from the mountains into our beautiful valley.  As current residents of Swannanoa, it’s up to us to make sure that our abundant water resources are preserved (and hopefully even improved!) for future generations.

For those who’d like to learn more about water quality issues, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension has announced a new “Master Stream Steward” course.  Modeled on the popular Extension Master Gardener program, the course will cover problems facing local streams and solutions for slowing or reversing stream degradation.  Participants will learn about what makes a stream healthy and what can be done to address common threats, including pollutants, erosion and sedimentation and stormwater runoff.

The course is perfect for volunteers interested in citizen water monitoring, stream cleanups, adopt-a-stream programs, or other water quality-related activities, and for landowners interested in protecting streams on their property.  We hope some of our Swannanoa neighbors will register for the course and bring their newly-acquired knowledge back to our community.  All are welcome to participate, but space is limited, so don’t delay.  For more info about the course, please contact Diane Silver at Buncombe County Cooperative Extension, 250-4875.

The course will be held Monday evenings from 6 – 9 pm at the Buncombe County Extension Center, 94 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville, beginning on September 26 and ending on November 7 (skipping October 10).  Registration fee is $30.