The New River Valley Master Gardeners were treated to a very informative talk about the important work of the Friends of Peak Creek (FOPC). Cathy Hanks, President of FOPC, described the efforts that this nonprofit organization has taken to improve water quality and ecological habitat of the creek which has a drainage area of over 60 square miles and meanders over 26 miles from its source in Jefferson National Forest to Claytor Lake. The work of FOPC also fosters environmental awareness and provides education.
One of their ongoing projects includes planting live stakes to stabilize stream beds in an effort to repair and prevent bank erosion. Stakes planted in 2016 had a successful survival rate of 80%. In December 2017, 16 volunteers came together to plant an additional 1200 live stakes of Silky Dogwood, Elderberry, Nine Bark and Silky Willow plants. By April 2018, buds on the stakes were evident.
A recent project of the FOPC is the establishment of a Pollinator Garden at Heritage Park in Pulaski for the purpose of habitat enhancement and public education. In January, the FOPC was awarded a Master Gardener Association (MGA) 2018 Community Grant for the purpose of establishing a fence around the new garden. By May 18, 2018, the fence was up and planting had begun. The MGA also awarded a 2018 mini-grant to the FOPC for the purchase of native plants for the garden. The installation of interpretive signage is planned for the near future.
Members of FOPC are also thoughtful to our feathered friends. Through the help of FOPC, twelve nesting boxes are in place along the Dora Bluebird Trail which runs along Peak Creek. By May 20, 2018 all the nesting boxes were occupied. Occasionally, the bluebirds had to share when the boxes became home to tree swallows, chickadees or wrens. In an effort to save ducks at the Creek from developing “angel wing syndrome,” duck food dispensers offering nutritious duck food have been installed. The goal is to protect the ducks from becoming malnourished because of the ingestion of too much bread and snack food. Consumption of large amounts of carbohydrate and sugar is what causes angel wind syndrome which prevents the ducks from being able to fly and protect themselves from predators.
Additional projects undertaken by FOPC include keeping the creek free of litter, monitoring water quality, marking storm drains and installing pet waste stations. In the fall of 2016, Dora Trail which runs along Peak Creek was designated as a Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail (SBWT) by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The FOPC works with the town of Pulaski’s Department of Parks and Facilities to enhance the trail along Peak Creek. Officially, Dora Trail is part of the “Lower New River Loop” in the Mountain section of the VBWT. See https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/dora-trail/