April 27 – 30, 2015: River Watchers from Crockett High School led a project at Lavendale Trail at Slaughter Creek as part of the Service Learning Program. This program is made possible by Impact Austin and the $100,000 award to Austin Youth River Watch as the 2014 Environment Grant Recipient. River Watchers have participated in hands-on projects throughout the 2014-2015 school year focusing on enhancing and restoring streams and rivers throughout watersheds in the Austin area. Read more about the Service Learning Project at Lavendale Trail:
April 27, 2015
Seven River Watchers from Crockett High School completed the pre-assessment report, which helped them gain context of the project by analyzing current conditions, considering possible causes of the eroded drainage site, discussing the importance of a properly functioning riparian zone, and devising strategies for improvement.
April 28, 2015
Five River Watchers from Crockett High School learned about the significance of Switchgrass and harvest plugs from the area that are planted in order to stabilize the eroding banks. They also studied the use of live stakes, such as tree cuttings and woody plants, as a tool to stabilize streambanks.
April 29, 2015
Four River Watchers from Crockett High School joined up with River Watchers from Akins High School at the Lavendale Trail Project Site. Together, they planted 50 Switchgrass plugs along the graded and eroded bank.
April 30, 2015
Nine River Watchers from Crockett High School planted an additional 25 Switchgrass plugs in an effort to stabilize the eroded bank. Then they completed a post-assessment report to analyze their project.
