We are currently looking for volunteers in Monongalia and Preston Counties to become Citizen Scientist volunteer stream monitors.  Our next training day is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25, 4:30p - 7:00p at Reedsville Fire Hall.  If you are interested in attending or volunteering for the program, please contact Pamela Engelmann at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This Citizen Scientist monitoring program will empower citizens with the training and equipment necessary to monitor their local streams for potential pollutants related to the extraction of natural gas in the area and how to submit this data to an online database on our web site.  This data is very important to indicate baseline stream conditions in order to accurately document pollution sources.  Citizen Scientist volunteers will learn how to calibrate monitoring equipment and receive their very own monitoring kit to monitor a specific stream location every other week on their own time.  They will learn how to recognize potential pollution sources using stream water chemistry measurements and visual assessments of the stream and surrounding area and who to call to report these issues.  Citizen Scientist volunteers will also be trained in entering their data on FODC's web site. 

This program is part of FODC's Watershed Bill of Rights project made possible by an Environmental Justice small grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency.  The purpose of the Watershed Bill of Rights is to help protect the Deckers Creek watershed and surrounding watersheds through the prevention, reduction, and/or elimination of water pollution by educating local citizens on water polluting activities, the rights of citizens and land owners to report these activities, directions on doing so, as well as educate, train and empower them to monitor for specific pollutants.  This will be accomplished through a multi-media campaign, community symposiums, and the Citizen Scientist monitoring program.

Friends of Deckers Creek was recognized with the West Virginia Watershed Network's highest honor of Watershed Association of the Year, on November 5, 2011, at the 13th Annual Watershed Celebration Day!

Also a special congratulations to the Coal River Group, who has been doing phenomenal work, and tied with FODC for the Watershed Association of the Year title! Keep up the Great work! www.coalrivergroup.com 

This exciting honor goes right to all of our Friends, Volunteers, and Supporters! FODC could not make the impact and improvement within the Watershed without the positive attitudes of commitment, dedication, and volunteered hours of service from you all! Thank you!

Jennifer Pauer, WV Watershed Network Member kindly stated in a recent press release draft, “FODC volunteers have really worked at getting the community to take part in protecting and restoring their stream.They understand the importance of local sponsorships, getting the youth involved and inspiring volunteers.  They have a knack for making sure people are doing what they are happy doing and having fun in the name of Deckers Creek.  It is very impressive”.

We would also like to thank the WV Watershed Network for their encouragement and constant effort which goes into the production of such an informational and enjoyable annual event!