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Other projects of Clean Virginia Waterways
Rain Barrels for your home -- A Hands-on Workshop.
Clean Virginia Waterways created a rain barrel workshop program that has been a run-away success as more and more homeowners are interested in conserving water by using rain barrels under their downspouts. More than 100 nonprofit groups are using the CVW workshop throughout the entire state. Funding for this program comes from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the VA Environmental Endowment. To learn about upcoming workshop dates, please send an email to cleanva@longwood.edu Click here for more information about rain barrels.
"Adopt-A-Stream" Program
CVW is a proud supporter and partner of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's "Adopt-A-Stream" Program. This program encourages citizens to take an active role in their watershed by adopting a local stream or river, and caring for it. For more information, see the Adopt-A-Stream Program http://www.dcr.state.va.us/sw/adopt.htmWest Nile Virus Education
Clean Virginia Waterways was co-sponsor of a West Nile Virus public information forum held on the campus of Longwood University in Spring 2003. CVW also co-sponsored two workshops in the summer of 2003 on how to identify mosquitos. Health department employees, and employees of several county governments attended these workshops taught by Dr. David Gaines, the Public Health Entomologist for the Virginia Department of Health. CVW's goal in co-sponsoring these events was to educate local governments and citizens throughout the state on the importance of mosquito surveillance and control. Remember, the best way to deal with mosquitos is to PREVENT BREEDING SITES. Spraying pesticides in the air is not as effective, and the pesticides can kill other insects that are very desirable. Mosquitos cannot breed in ponds that have year-round populations of predators, including mosquitofish, dragonfly larva, and other predatory insect larva. Shallow, temporary pools of water around your house are often the source of the mosquitos you see. Here are some tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control:
Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water. In this way, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.Learn more about mosquito control from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/skeeters.htm
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