Wow – we can’t believe it’s already December.
This year has been a whirlwind. Between staff transitions, new projects, outreach, and new partnerships across the state, Headwaters has been out and about. So here’s what we’ve been up to.
2019 in Review: Citizen Science, Education, & Community Engagement
-Headwaters partnered with Cowan Community Center for the second year in a row for Kids on the Creek Camp, bringing watershed education to local kids with help from the Division of Forestry, the Division of Water, the Cooperative Extension, and many others!
-We continued work with the Friends of Whitesburg Coalition to bring sustainable, green infrastructure downtown. Look out for workshops, volunteer plantings, and beautification projects in 2020!
-We said goodbye to incredible Coordinator Alex Beer and hired two new staff – Watershed Coordinator Caitlin Myers and Community Program Coordinator Emily Madden!
-We tested tap water for 16 community members in Letcher County, with more to come, thanks to funding and support from the University of Kentucky Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Science.
-We picked up over 100 bags of garbage on the North Fork of the Kentucky River, thanks to local students and Americorps NCCC.
-We found financial support through Environmental Protection Agency, the Appalachian Community Fund, the Community Economic Development of East Kentucky, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, the University of Kentucky Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences, and of course, individuals in our own community!
-We strengthened our many community partnerships – because East Kentucky communities take care of each other.
Testing tap water at a community member’s home 
A lesson at the 4-H Retreat 
Fall Stream Cleanup 
Mountain Heritage Festival 
Kids on the Creek Camp
Looking At 2020
Headwaters has big plans for next year. Next year, we aim to increase our community engagement and our rapid response capabilities, while working to implement best management practices along Crafts Colly, Sand Lick, and Dry Fork creeks. We know we can do big things. Headwaters has the community connections to understand Letcher County water quality issues, the regional connections to strategize on solutions, and the scientific know-how to provide the data we need to get to where we want to be.
How You Can Help
To keep doing this important work into 2020, we need your support. You can give to us at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/headwaters-inc or send us a check by mail at: PO Box 1422, Whitesburg, KY, 41858. And you can always drop us a line at team@kyheadwaters.org! Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year – and you can find information on our Facebook and Instagram.
