In October, the Friends of the Reedy River posted some interesting — and good — news.
For the second month, the river showed decreased bacteria levels like e.coli and several factors, including lower temperatures, played a part.
But this data collection to document and monitor the Reedy’s water quality has been a two-year effort by the 25-year-old nonprofit, an effort that is building a track record. And it is done all by volunteers.
For anyone new in the area, or to the area, the Reedy has a history.
The Reedy River is a tributary of the Saluda River. It starts in Travelers Rest and flows about 65 miles to Lake Greenwood and has seen both good and bad times, from serving as a power source for several of Greenville’s textile mills to being a dumping ground for industrial waste.
Friends of the Reedy River was formed in 1993. This advocacy group has a long history of being at the table anywhere water quality in the Saluda Watershed is affected. Their new office is on the river, in a former 1940s pump house located at REWA’s campus. The new (and only) employee is Josie Newton, a Watershed scientist and Furman University graduate. But there are several hundred volunteers.
Who is monitoring the river?
Madeleine Bolick is board Treasurer and has a master’s degree in environmental management. She organizes monthly monitoring events. Volunteers range from people who like science, those who want to know more about the Reedy or have a general interest of the water quality in their backyard. Bolick takes a group out each month to document the three sites in Greenville, although monitoring is done all along the river.
Where are the three sites?
Mostly in the city of Greenville. The first is downstream of the Swamp Rabbit Cafe; the second is at Falls Park and the third is behind the REWA headquarters at Mauldin Road (before the river flows to Conestee Park).
Want to volunteer?
You do not need to be an engineer or an environmentalist. You can be trained and choose your own spot along the waterway. The only requirement is attending a one-day, free workshop with SC Adopt-a-Stream to become a certified volunteer water quality monitor. Check out their upcoming sessions.
Bolick said they would like to see more volunteers in the southern part of the county, specifically toward Lake Greenwood. She was recently joined by a fellow volunteer who is interested in starting her own monitor site near her home in Travelers Rest.
FORR has many ways to get involved — from bank cleanup to planting. They have a full calendar and active social media. The site has lots of resources including a checklist if you (or your company) want to organize a cleanup day. There’s also a stormwater management plan for homeowners and a list of good species of plants for your yard.
If you have ever see someone paddling a kayak along the river, they likely have put in at an unofficial site. There are plenty along the way.
Paddling yes, swimming NO! FORR makes it clear, the river is NOT swimmer-friendly. At least, not yet. Let’s keep working.
Amy Ryberg Doyle served for 12 years on Greenville City Council. She is married and has four children. An outdoors enthusiast, she likes to bike, swim and run, but not all in that order. She power-naps daily.
