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DURHAM, N.C. – Durham residents interested in discovering and exploring local streams and lakes should mark their calendars now to participate in Durham’s 2nd Annual Creek Week.

Creek Week 2010, scheduled for March 20-27, 2010, will provide over 20 opportunities for residents to enjoy educational programs and recreational activities while doing their part to help protect waterways through volunteer projects.

Opportunities for residents to explore Durham’s hidden gems include several canoe and kayaking excursions (both day and evening), nature walks and hikes, creative reuse projects, and crafting opportunities.

On Wednesday, March 24, residents are invited to join local river experts for "Your Creek, Our Water: A Hands-on Learning Model" from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of Life and Science, located at 433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham. Museum admission is waived for Durham County residents on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Creek Week 2010 will also feature opportunities for residents and organizations to get involved in cleaning up local rivers and streams.  On Saturday, March 20, stream clean-ups will occur at 10 locations throughout the community.  On Saturday, March 27, the City of Durham will sponsor an Adopt-a-Stream Workshop for groups interested in learning how to take long-term care of a creek.  

Along with these activities, a Speakers Bureau will be available to schools, churches, and civic groups during Creek Week.  Topics include water conservation, preventing water pollution, protecting drinking water, North Carolina river basins, water quality monitoring, and “greener” landscaping.

“Creek Week is a wonderful opportunity for Durham residents to discover local natural areas and to make a difference through volunteer projects,” said Dorothea Pierce, executive director of Keep Durham Beautiful, Inc.  “We hope these events will serve as a reminder about Durham’s beauty and how we can all be a part of enhancing our community.”

Creek Week 2010 is a collaborative effort between many organizations, including the City of Durham, Durham County Government, Eno River Association, North Carolina State Parks, Haw River Assembly, Frog Hollow Outdoors, Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, Keep Durham Beautiful, Inc., and Northeast Creek Stream Watch.

For a detailed schedule of events, including dates and locations of stream clean-ups, nature walks, and river excursions, visit www.keepdurhambeautiful.org and click on “Creek Week.” 

For more information about any of the events during “Creek Week 2010,” contact Laura Webb Smith, public education coordinator with the Stormwater Services Division of the City’s Public Works Department, at (919) 560-4326, ext. 30235 or via e-mail at laura.smith@durhamnc.gov.