Lynne Peverley
Many of Lynne’s neighbors have docks leading out to the water, yet most are too skeptical to get in the river or eat anything caught out of it. They value the view that the river provides. Osprey have transformed many of the water platforms into nesting sites. It is a rare thrill to watch one of these regal hunters carve through the air, swoop down with meticulous timing and precision, and at the last instant grab an unsuspecting fish with its razor-sharp talons.
Lynne loves the water. Throughout her years sampling with Wicomico Creekwatchers, she has strengthened her connection to the Wicomico River. She has devoted time to collecting data, with the hope that it will contribute to a healthier river. This is not done for her benefit, but for the well-being of the river, itself.
“It brings us peace and joy to be ‘river side’ and that lends itself to wanting to do what we can to ensure the health of the river. It pains us to know that although the views are beautiful, the underlying condition of the river is woeful. When Creekwatchers was established, it seemed the perfect way to do a small part to help CBF [Chesapeake Bay Foundation]” (courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Volunteer Annual Report 2007-2008).
Lynne has been sampling with Wicomico Creekwatchers for twelve years. The only real changes that she has observed over that time have been due to natural variations in the local weather. She is concerned that “it is hard to sell the river when it’s not healthy.” In order to improve the water quality, people need to care about the Wicomico enough to take action. The question is: how do you get people to care about a river that they see as polluted and potentially hazardous?
Lynne sees potential in publicly celebrating the river to share its beauty. This could include barge rides, river cruises, waterside festivals, or outdoor education events. These activities could attract people, who would otherwise not interact with the Wicomico River, to get out and experience the thrills and sights that it offers.
Lynne loves the water. Throughout her years sampling with Wicomico Creekwatchers, she has strengthened her connection to the Wicomico River. She has devoted time to collecting data, with the hope that it will contribute to a healthier river. This is not done for her benefit, but for the well-being of the river, itself.
“It brings us peace and joy to be ‘river side’ and that lends itself to wanting to do what we can to ensure the health of the river. It pains us to know that although the views are beautiful, the underlying condition of the river is woeful. When Creekwatchers was established, it seemed the perfect way to do a small part to help CBF [Chesapeake Bay Foundation]” (courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Volunteer Annual Report 2007-2008).
Lynne has been sampling with Wicomico Creekwatchers for twelve years. The only real changes that she has observed over that time have been due to natural variations in the local weather. She is concerned that “it is hard to sell the river when it’s not healthy.” In order to improve the water quality, people need to care about the Wicomico enough to take action. The question is: how do you get people to care about a river that they see as polluted and potentially hazardous?
Lynne sees potential in publicly celebrating the river to share its beauty. This could include barge rides, river cruises, waterside festivals, or outdoor education events. These activities could attract people, who would otherwise not interact with the Wicomico River, to get out and experience the thrills and sights that it offers.
Photos by Todd Mignosa
