Chuck Morse, volunteer for Middle Creek CRMP, and president of West Lake RCD, talks to students about invasive weeds during the annual Kids in the Creek event. Photo by Linda Juntunen.

UPPER LAKE – The Middle Creek Coordinated Resource Management and Planning (CRMP) group will serve as this year’s host to the Lake County watershed groups for a celebration of activities and achievements throughout 2008.

The annual “year in review” will be held on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m., at the Odd Fellows Hall, 9480 Main Street in Upper Lake.

The evening will shine a spotlight on the events and accomplishments of the various watershed groups in the county’s Upper Cache Creek Watershed, the two local Resource Conservation Districts, and their partners in the Upper Putah Creek Watershed.

The West Lake Resource Conservation District (RCD) will announce the recipient of their “2008 Partner of the Year” award. Last year’s well-deserved award was given to the Lake County Department of Public Services, under the direction of Kim Clymire.

This will be the second year for the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year awards. Sponsored by the Upper Cache Creek Watershed Alliance, the award will recognize an outstanding volunteer from each of the active watershed groups.

Last year's recipients were Kevin Ingram, Big Valley Watershed Council; Robert Geary, Chi Council for the Clear Lake Hitch; Fran Ransley, Lower Lake Watershed Council; Joe Dias, Middle Creek CRMP; Jim Bridges, Nice Watershed Council, and Patty Patten, Scotts Creek Watershed Council.

Greg Dills, watershed coordinator for the East Lake and West Lake RCDs, will present the highlights of 2008 for the watershed groups in the Upper Cache Creek Watershed.

Dwight Holford will present activities for the Upper Putah Creek Stewardship, and Korinn Woodard will discuss the accomplishments of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The event provides a wonderful opportunity for the community to see what these groups do. Be sure to mark this great event on your calendar.

All stewardships, CRMPs and watershed councils are invited to attend, and are being asked to assist with potluck refreshments and food.

The groups also are encouraged to bring materials that they’d like to display or share with others. Natural resource partners, public agencies, tribes, neighbors, friends, and everyone interested in the health of the local watersheds are welcome and encouraged to attend the event.

For questions about the event or refreshments, please call Linda Juntunen, 263-4180, Extension 16, or Greg Dills, 263-4180, Extension 12.

Game Warden Loren Freeman and his law enforcement dog, Leo, have the attention of everyone at Kids in the Creek. Photo by Linda Juntunen.

An annual visitor to Kids in the Creek is Smoky Bear and his friends. Photo by Linda Juntunen.

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