News Summary
The Gills Creek Watershed Association (GCWA) is hosting a unique fundraising event, ‘Wine for Water,’ on March 27th to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This evening promises fun with live music, an open bar, and a raffle, all to help preserve the Gills Creek Watershed. Attendees can enjoy delicious catering while contributing to vital conservation efforts in the area. Tickets are available for $100.
Columbia Gears Up for a Unique Fundraising Event: ‘Wine for Water’
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the Gills Creek Watershed Association (GCWA) prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025! What better way to commemorate this milestone than with a fabulous fundraising event titled ‘Wine for Water’? Mark your calendars for March 27th, as the festivities kick off at City Roots, located at 1005 Airport Blvd.
An Evening of Fun and Fundraising
‘Wine for Water’ promises to be a delightful evening filled with laughter, music, and the joy of giving back to the community. Attendees can look forward to enjoying live tunes by Danielle Howle, an open bar, and delicious catering from Barrel and Vine Productions. What more could you ask for on a night out?
But that’s not all! The event will feature a raffle, silent auction, and interactive games that are sure to keep everyone entertained. For those wanting to indulge in a memorable evening whilst supporting a meaningful cause, the ticket price is set at $100. It’s a small price to pay for an evening that blends fun with philanthropy!
Protecting Our Precious Watershed
The Gills Creek Watershed is a vital part of the community, spanning an impressive 47,000 acres across Richland County, the City of Columbia, Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Cayce, and Fort Jackson. The GCWA is dedicated to protecting and restoring this precious natural resource. Over the years, the organization has actively tackled challenges like bacterial contamination, sedimentation, trash, and the detrimental impacts of heavy metals and pesticides in the watershed.
The executive director of GCWA highlights the organization’s commitment to conservation, advocacy, restoration, and education. Through a variety of projects, they have worked tirelessly to improve watershed health and reduce flood risks, while also restoring habitats for wildlife.
Recent Initiatives and Community Involvement
A key initiative includes the conservation of floodplains and wetlands, which helps manage stormwater and significantly reduce flooding. Recent projects at locations like Owens Field and Crowson Road have been essential in improving stormwater management and lessening the impact of high-water events.
GCWA’s advocacy also extends to promoting responsible development and enhancing stormwater treatment across the watershed region. They engage the community through partnerships and educational programs, including the Adopt-A-Stream monitoring program, bringing awareness to students and families alike.
Repair projects along Gills Creek are underway, aimed at combating erosion and protecting homes from flooding. This includes the installation of riprap cladding and new storm drains, enhancing both efficacy and safety in the area. Recent flooding events have underscored the importance of these efforts, particularly in light of the destruction caused by overdevelopment.
In a recent incident, a fire at the Hampton Greene Apartments displaced 18 residents, marking another stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the area. Thankfully, the American Red Cross is stepping in to assist those affected, ensuring they have the support they need.
Becoming a Watershed Champion
GCWA invites homeowners to take personal responsibility as ‘Watershed Champions’. Every small action counts towards maintaining water quality—changes at an individual level can create a ripple effect in the community. As discussions regarding regulations for overgrown yards continue, there’s a push for promoting natural landscaping that benefits water health.
In the spirit of community involvement, GCWA isn’t stopping there. Future events will include creek cleanups and educational seminars on creating effective rain gardens. The ongoing extension of the Penny Tax Program also holds promise for developments in the Gills Creek Greenway, enhancing access and enjoyment of nature for everyone.
Mark March 27th on your calendar and ready your taste buds. Attending ‘Wine for Water’ is not just about having a good time; it’s about making a difference in our cherished Gills Creek Watershed. To stay updated on this event and more initiatives, be sure to visit www.gillscreekwatershed.org.
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: GCWA Celebrates 25 Years
- WLTX: Repairs Along Gills Creek
- WISTV: Lake Katherine Residents Speak on Flooding
- The State: Local News Article
- Columbia Star: GCWA to Celebrate 25 Years
- Wikipedia: Gills Creek
- Google Search: Gills Creek Watershed Association
- Google Scholar: Gills Creek conservation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gills Creek
- Google News: Gills Creek Watershed
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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