Local Residents to Discuss Conservation at Twin Creek Symposium
The Twin Creek is a 47-mile stream that drains 316 square miles of rolling farmland west of Dayton. It is beloved by the people who live along its banks and praised by biologists who have studied it.
This gently-sloping stream flows over glacial till and is constantly recharged by cool, clean water from numerous underground pools. Scientists say it’s among the most biologically rich creeks in Ohio, especially for aquatic macroinvertebrates. A dozen species of freshwater mussels and 62 species of fish call Twin Creek home, including fish that need clean, clear water to live, like the black redhorse sucker. The lands that line the creek include many pools that protect amphibians.
However, over the last few decades, unsustainable development and farming practices that allow sediment and nutrients into the stream have become a threat to the watershed. The challenge is to work with the farming community to protect the creek, while maintaining a viable farming culture.
On May 10, Five Rivers MetroParks will present a symposium at Twin Creek MetroPark intended to provide a close examination of the Recreational and Natural State of Twin
Creek through expert speakers and hands-on experiences along the creek.
Featured speakers and topics include




Hugh Trimble presenting aspects of the October 22, 2007 publication, OEPA
Biological and Water Quality Study of Twin Creek and selected Tributaries;
Kara Wendeln presenting, A Survey of Freshwater Mussels in Twin Creek.
Monica Rakovan, Twin Creek Watershed Coordinator, presenting, Partnerships and Activities of Twin Creek Watershed Advisory Group and Water Quality
Monitoring Program.
Larry Frimerman, Director Three Valley Conservation Trust, providing an update on the Twin Creek Watershed Action Plan including load reduction calculations based on a sub-watershed basis to determine what improvements will be made are being prepared.

Brent Anslinger presenting Five Rivers Outdoors recreational recourses and initiatives along the Twin Creek.
After lunch, symposium participants will drive to the base of Germantown Dam on the
Twin Creek to participate in Macro-invertebrate water quality survey and fly fishing demonstration followed by parting remarks. The event will also be followed by an optional Twin Creek Float Trip exclusively for symposium participants and organized by
Five Rivers Outdoors, the outdoor adventure initiative of MetroParks.
In organizing the symposium, MetroParks staff worked closely with the local Soil and
Water Conservation District as well as the Twin Creek Watershed Group
< http://www.twincreekwatershed.org/ >, which works to preserve and enhance the natural system functions of the Twin Creek watershed for future generations. MetroParks has also produced a Twin Creek Conservation Video, which is now available for viewing on www.metroparks.org.

The day’s activities, including lunch and handouts, are available to registrants for
$20/person (additional $10 fee for the Twin Creek Float Trip). Advance reservations are required by May 1, 2008 and limited in number. For more information, call 937-855-
7717.
Side bar 1:
State of Twin Creek Symposium
Saturday, May 10 --- 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Twin Creek MetroPark, 8539 Morningstar Rd.
Join us for a close examination of the Recreational and Natural State of Twin Creek through expert speakers and hands-on experiences along the creek.
Lunch and handouts provided. Directions to conference site will be mailed. A check must be received by mail to hold your phone reservation. Mail check to: GMNC 6910
Boomershine Rd, Germantown, Ohio, 45327. Checks must be received by May 1.
Symposium Fee: $20; due May 1. Make checks payable to Five Rivers MetroParks.
Reservations required & limited: Call 855-7717. Meet at Lodge.
Optional Twin Creek Float Trip (ages 14 & older - Symposium participants only)
(weather permitting)
Saturday, May 10 --- 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Germantown MetroPark, 7481 Creek Rd.
Float down the scenic Twin Creek — one of the best float streams and warm water habitats in the area. A MetroParks naturalist will interpret the flora and fauna along Twin
Creek including beavers, fish and macro-invertebrates. This trip is water-level dependent and could be changed to a different stretch of river if necessary. Kayaks and other equipment available at no additional fee. This float is perfect for participants who have taken a Quickstart, who have novice skills on moving water or for the experienced kayaker who wants to explore the beautiful Twin Valley by boat. Minimum 4 participants required. Space limited to 10 participants. Fee: $10. Reservations required & limited, must first register for the symposium: Call 937-277-4374. Meet at parking lot below the dam.
Side bar 2:
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes into the same place, such as a river or stream.
John Wesley Powell, scientist geographer, put it best when he said that a watershed is:
"that area of land, a bounded hydrologic system, within which all living things are inextricably linked by their common water course and where, as humans settled, simple logic demanded that they become part of a community."
Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. They cross county, state, and national boundaries. The Miami Valley has a number of significant watersheds, due to our wealth of local creeks, steams and rivers. Which one do you live in?
(graphic of twin creek and general watershed maps)