As part of a service-learning project in Introduction to Environmental Science, five students adopted a section of Richland Creek in Nashville and organized a stream clean-up day on Oct. 19. The Belmont students organizing the clean-up were Megan Brady, Walter Burn, Luke Castle, Katie Keast and Jessie Wynn. Six additional students and Dr. Darlene Panvini, professor of the course, assisted in the clean-up event. Richland Creek is an urban watershed with five major tributaries: Sugartree, Unnamed Tributary, Jocelyn Hollow, Vaughn’s Gap and Belle Meade, along with many smaller branches that feed the system.
The Adopt-A-Stream program, part of the Nashville Metro Water Services, lasts for a period of two years and requires at least one stream clean-up per year and the stenciling of storm drains leading to the adopted stream segment. Metro Water Services provides a sign acknowledging the adopting group and stream. Belmont’s official sign is posted at England Park between the walking trail and Richland Creek