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Rockbridge Conservation is proposing that a friends group for Woods Creek be organized. The group will focus on the urban area of the creek and trail but, if there is interest, it can extend its efforts to the rest of the watershed.
The creek is polluted, and the trail is also in need of restoration, said Sandra Stuart, co-chair of Rockbridge Conservation’s watershed committee.
The Department of Environmental Quality issued a plan to clean up the creek in 2018; however, it is not yet funded. Stuart noted that a map identifying 28 invasives along Lexington’s portion of the trail has been completed and grants to have them removed and natives planted have been submitted.
Success in receiving grants is always enhanced by the support from stakeholders in a project, Stuart said. In this case, that includes residents, schools, businesses, city and county governments, a golf course, homeowners associations, farmers, and non-residential landowners.
“If we are to be successful in restoring this significant area in our community,” said Rockbridge Conservation’s executive director Barbara Walsh, “coordination among all these groups is needed.”
A public meeting, including a short presentation and a discussion of the problems and possibilities will be held Saturday, March 4, at 4 p.m. in the Old Courthouse Community Room, 2 S. Main St., Lexington (corner of South Main and Washington Street; enter from rear). This program is not sponsored by the property owner or current tenant.
