What is RiverWatch? RiverWatch is a "neighborhood watch" program for the Lower Neuse River Basin. After a training session to learn about the river, pollution threats, and how to recognize them, volunteers will spend 8 hours per month on your assigned river or creek looking for potential pollution problems. You'll report anything you find to Larry Baldwin, the Lower Neuse Riverkeeper, and then help to eliminate the problem. You will also be trained to identify sediment erosion problems on construction sites through the Muddy Water Watch program.
Don't see yourself as a patroller? There are other ways to help. You could track construction permits Analyze reports from other volunteers and enter them into a database Work with the Riverkeepers to review pollution discharge permits There will be other assignments available.
Interested? Contact the New Bern NRF office at (252) 637-7972 to sign up for RiverWatch training or get more information. Please scroll down for more information on training classes
Jim Starr talks to RiverWatch Volunteers
RiverWatch Training: Saturday, 02/02 marked the first RiverWatch Training Program for the Lower Neuse watershed. This first training was held in New Bern and the response was great. Over 50 people attended this training class to learn how they can help be the eyes and ears of Larry Baldwin, Lower Neuse Riverkeeper.
The training was developed by Jim Starr with input from Larry Baldwin. The training ran for 3 hours and included a wide range of information and topics that were presented by both Jim and Larry. Attendees learned about how to identify potential buffer, wetland, sediment, stormwater and discharge violations. After the presentation, those present were quite excited about the program and are ready to put their new knowledge to work making an impact on the water quality of the Lower Neuse.
Additional training will be provided to this first group of volunteers, and will include learning the ins and outs of the Muddy water Watch Program. This program focuses on construction activities and how to monitor them for sediment violations.
Additional trainings will be offered in Kinston and Goldsboro, please check back for dates and times.
