Activities
Friends of the Cacapon (FCR) collaborates with state and federal agencies and programs such as the Eastern Panhandle Soil Conservation Agency, WV University Extension Service, Potomac River Tributary Stakeholders Workgroups and WV Watershed Network.
FCR supports organizations that are working to preserve and protect the Cacapon River and watershed including the Cacapon Institute the WV River Coalition, The Nature Conservancy, and the Land Trust of the Lost and Cacapon Rivers.
FCR is working with the Cacapon Institute to update a baseline survey on the river's water quality.
Fcr is monitoring the river's health using the WV Save Our Streams program and other testing methods. As part of the "Save Our Streams" organization, crews of FCR members and friends go looking at the critters found in the river at various sites. Knowing what critters live there, especially the critters sensitive to pollution, gives us a way to catch problems with water quality early. Monitoring generally occurs in July and August during low water periods.
FGR fosters recreationsl/educational aspects of the river through printed and Internet information and guided tours, walks and lectures.
We support ecotourism through Travel Berkeley Springs.
The FCR web site contains announcements of upcoming activities and events and our quarterly newsletter about various aspects of the river and the watershed. Printed copies of the newsletter are available upon request.
FCR leads hands-on projects supported by state grants to restore eroded riverbanks.
FCR participation in planting 120 trees along the Cacapon River at The Crossings in Pin Oak (Hampshire County) on April 16, 2011.
The Friends joined in a cooperative effort with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, the Cacapon Institute, and volunteers from The Crossings to plant a variety of young trees to prevent erosion. Currently, the older trees on the riverbank are at risk of falling into the river, and it is hoped the healthy growth of the new trees will provide the next line of defense. A couple pictures show how close the river is to causing a collapse of the riverbank. Additionally, solar-powered fencing and plastic tubes were added to protect the young trees from wildlife damage (deer, voles, etc.) Friends' Ron Wilson, Gil Meyer, Grant Wheeler & Nancy Wheeler participated.
(Thanks for Gil Meyer for the photos.)