TN Rivers
Richland Creek Watershed
Harpeth Conservancy merged the work of Richland Creek Watershed Alliance into its programs!
What that means going forward
In 2020, after over 10 years of amazing work, Monette Rebecca, the Executive Director of Richland Creek Watershed Alliance, retired. To ensure that her work and legacy live on, Richland Creek Watershed Alliance merged with Harpeth Conservancy to steward protection of the stream as our work expands statewide.
Monette continues to consult and bring historical knowledge of the work done on Richland Creek to protect and restore it. Harpeth Conservancy and RCWA have worked together as partners on things like the Nashville Waterways Consortium and issues around the flood in 2010, so this transition is a natural and perfect fit.
Harpeth Conservancy’s mission is to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships to develop, promote, and support broad community stewardship and action. The work on Richland Creek seamlessly falls into HC’s scope of work.
Harpeth Conservancy will focus on these projects in the Richland Creek area:
- Water Quality Sampling – In Summer 2020 Harpeth Conservancy started collecting samples for E.coli along the Richland Creek Greenway to determine the scientific health and safety of the river in spots where many children and dogs play. Stay tuned about the health of your waterway.
- Education/Awareness – Lessons on the River – we will have HANDS ON and FREE activities on Richland Creek. These are monthly are a GREAT way to learn about the importance of our waterways. Be River Responsible/Grab the Litter –Helping educate people about keeping trash out of the rivers.
- Outreach – We want to get to know more of our neighbors and answer any questions that you might have. Watch for us at the Richland Park Farmer’s Market and other local events.
- Social Media – If you do not already follow @harpethriver on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, we encourage you to do so for up to date information, events, issues, etc. Also, as you take great photos, please tag #richlandcreekgreenway and #harpethriver.
- Restoration – For years, trees have been planted along Richland Creek to keep the bank stable (though some erosion has still occurred), and invasive species have been removed in sections annually to prevent harmful undergrowth choking out needed plants. We hope to continue this work…that is where your help is needed!
- Clean Water Protection - Harpeth Conservancy has 20 years of experience in conservation policy and law as well as flood and stormwater management related to development, planning for growth, and rural land protection. On behalf of Richland Creek, HC recently filed significant comments on the draft state permit for the REOStone quarry realignment.
Latest Posts
Advocacy Action Alert: Support the creation of a TN Office of Outdoor Recreation
February 7, 2023
The legislative season is upon us and we have an unusual opportunity to join forces to create a Tennessee Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC) in
Harpeth Conservancy Monitoring the Development of “Ariza Bellevue” Project
January 1, 2023
Important Links: Bellevue Strong, Community Organization Site Ariza Bellevue, Developer’s Site Petition against new development in ‘flood-vulnerable’ area reaches 1,800 signatures (3/9/23: WSMV4) Bellevue development
Discharge Permit for Franklin Sewer Treatment Plant
July 29, 2022
Email Petition Instructions: Use our email petition form to the left in order to send a message to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
Action Alert: Franklin Sewer Permit
July 28, 2022
YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE AUGUST 30, 2022 PUBLIC HEARING AND WRITTEN COMMENTS TO TDEC ARE CRITICAL! THE HARPETH RIVER IS STILL IMPAIRED, BUT THE DRAFT
HC and others Comment on Cookeville Wastewater Treatment Plant Renewal
June 2, 2022
On June 2, 2022, Harpeth Conservancy along with the TN Chapter of the Sierra Club (TNSC), and Brian Paddock (a Cookeville environmental lawyer) sent comments