The Shadow
A group of Alleghany students are now more versed on water quality and efforts to preserve the cleanliness of the Jackson River.
On Monday, Oct. 28, Karen and John Feldenzer met Teresa Reed and her Natural Resources class from Alleghany High School at the Feldenzer property on the Jackson River tail-water, below the Smith Bridge.
The Feldenzers, who are certified stream monitors through the Izaak Walton League’s “Virginia Save Our Streams (SOS)” program, gave a talk on the James River watershed and the methods of measuring water quality on rivers.
They then explained to the students the capture, identification and quantification of benthic (stream-bottom) macro-invertebrates which serve as a biological “canary in the coal mine” in assessing stream health.
During the demonstration, students were able to help identify and count these “bugs,” netted from the Jackson stream-bed. They had fun learning in the “hands-on” riparian laboratory.
“Our youth are experiencing a nature deficit, and it is essential that we correct this problem,”?Reed said. “My class was unsure about working with the macro-invertebrates, but, as soon as we left the Feldenzers they wanted to know when our next trip could be.
“Involvement, ownership of your activity, and hands on experience are the sparks we are looking for to teach the students to become good stewards for our future,” she continued. We appreciate the work of the JRPA (Jackson River Preservation Association) and are grateful to the Feldenzers for sharing their knowledge and love of our natural resources.”
Bill Wilson, JRPA president, said “This is the kind of experience young people need. Too many people, young and old, are getting away from nature.
We need more people, especially young people, volunteering to help monitor this beautiful river.
“My hope is that this is just the beginning for Ms. Reed’s Natural Resources class,” Wilson continued. “Hopefully, they will join us again and again as we sample the river and report the results to state and federal agencies. Not only is the testing a very valuable thing to do but it is actually a lot of fun.
We are lucky to have Karen and John Feldenzer to lead our program. They are both certified stream monitors.”
The Jackson River Preservation Association (JRPA), Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created for the purpose of preserving and protecting the Jackson River. Most members are from the Alleghany Highlands.
The Stream-Monitoring Committee of the JRPA, chaired by John Feldenzer, monitors the Jackson several times each year and reports its results to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
If you would like to join the JRPA, annual dues are $20 per person. Checks should be made payable to Jackson River Preservation Association, Inc. and mailed to Mrs. Karen Feldenzer, Treasurer, 811 Scott Circle, Salem, Va. 24153.
If you would like more information about the JRPA, contact Bill Wilson at (540) 962-4529.
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Students from Teresa Reed’s Natural Resources class at Alleghany High School visited the Feldenzer property on the Jackson River below Smith Bridge on Monday, Oct. 28. John and Karen Feldenzer, certified stream monitors through the Izaak Walton League’s “Virginia Save Our Streams” program, spoke with the students about the James River watershed and the various methods of measuring water quality on rivers. Front row, from left: Dr. Feldenzer, Allison Barron, Kelsey Martin, Karen Feldenzer. Back row: Kaitlyn Trimble, Faith Thompson, Drew Hayslett, Matthew Warren. (Photo Courtesy Jackson River Preservation Association)
