Extreme Stream Makeover FAQs

1. What is a watershed?
   A watershed is a region draining into a river, river system, or any other body of water. All of the water that falls as precipitation or flows over the land as runoff in a watershed ends up in the same body of water. In other words, a watershed is a drainage area.
   
   
2. What is the Extreme Stream Makeover?
   The Extreme Stream Makeover is a weeklong restoration project designed to improve the health, sustainability and aesthetic appeal of a selected stream within the James River watershed. This year's efforts will focus on Horsepen Branch in Henrico County. Other streams will be selected in subsequent years.
   
   
3. Who is involved?
   The James River Association (JRA), a nonprofit organization that has been serving as the voice of the James for 30 years, is coordinating the event. JRA worked with the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) to evaluate and select sites for the makeover. The project is being sponsored through a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation as well as by local businesses and organizations including Phillip Morris, Alcoa, Honeywell, Ukrops, and the Boxwood, Three Chopt, James River and Tuckahoe garden clubs. These businesses not only have provided funding for the initiative, but many of the companies employees will be volunteering to help with the restoration efforts. Three divisions of the Henrico County government, Public Works, Keep Henrico Beautiful and the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District, are also participating. Draper Aden Associates are donating environmental consulting services for the planning of the projects. Please click on the sponsors and partners link on the homepage to see a full list of donating businesses and organizations.
   
   
4. When is the Extreme Stream Makeover?
   The Makeover kicks off on Monday, October 20 and is expected to conclude on Saturday, October 25. There will be different activities scheduled for each day, including rain garden landscaping, rain barrel assembly and installation, trash removal, and environmental restoration, such as planting forest buffers along the creek to filter pollution.
   
   
5. What is the goal of the Makeover?
   Horsepen Branch is a tributary of the James River. In other words, it is a small stream that flows into the James River. The goal of this project is to improve the water quality of Horsepen Branch and increase awareness about the importance of stream health as part of the overall water quality of the James River.
   
   
6. Where is the Extreme Stream Makeover?
   The Extreme Stream Makeover will focus on numerous sites along Horsepen Branch in Henrico County. This website will be updated as we receive final approval for the projects sites.
   
   
7. Why Horsepen Branch?
   Having heard about the Extreme Stream Makeover that took place in Colonial Heights, local garden clubs expressed an interest in completing a similar project in an area lying west of the Boulevard in Richmond. Horsepen Branch was selected due to its classification as an impaired or dirty waterway and easy access to potential project sites. Over the years, the bank of Horsepen Branch has eroded or worn away and the number of plants along the bank has decreased. Rain water runoff and pollutants from commercial & residential development, combined with the accumulation of large amounts of trash have contributed to its steady decline. However, this effort to restore the health of the stream and the surrounding watershed will make a meaningful difference, both to its short- and long-term health.
   
   
8. Are food and drink provided?
   Water and light snacks will be provided for volunteers. Lunch will be provided for volunteers that work the morning shift and volunteers that work all day. If you have special dietary restrictions or if you feel that you may want additional beverages or snacks, we suggest that you bring them with you.
   
   
9. How can I get more information on Extreme Stream Makeover?
   For additional information or to register a group of people to volunteer, please contact Michelle Kokolis at 788-8811 ext. 204 or email volunteer@jrava.org.