The following programs are offered for your enjoyment during Creek Week to learn more about the waterways in both Chatham and Lee counties. Please register for the programs as needed and with the correct person/group that is offering that program using the link in the description of the program.
Enjoy Creek Week!
Saturday June 19th
*Clean-up along the Rocky River
When:Saturday, June 19th, 2021, 3pm – 5pm
Where:Rocky River north of Siler City
What:Help clean up the Rocky River by joining the RRHF as we remove the trash from an area along the river. Pre-registration is required. After the clean-up, we will take a short walk along the river to see what life will benefit from river clean-ups!
To register for this program or if you have questions, email the RRHF rockyriverheritageinfo@gmail.com
*Aquatic Insects of Loves Creek
When:June 19, 10 am to 12 pm
Where:Loves Creek near Loves Creek Trail at Jordan-Matthews High School, Siler City
What:Learn about the water quality of Loves Creek by surveying the aquatic insects (benthic macroinvertebrates) in its riffles, pools, and streambanks with the Loves Creek Watershed Stewards (LCWS). Many insects such as dragonflies and mayflies spend most of their lives in our creeks and rivers in their larval forms before metamorphizing into their adult forms. Some insects like stoneflies are more sensitive to water pollution than others like blackflies. Identifying what aquatic insect larvae are living in a stream can tell us how healthy the stream is.
To register for this program,email Catherine Deininger at lovescreeknc@gmail.com
*Cleanup, Cookout, aCoustic and a Cryptid!
When:June 19, Noon until 6 p.m
Where: Camelback Bridge, Cumnock Rd., Sanford, NC
What: Join us for a cleanup day at the Deep River Parks beginning at noon! We’ll meet at Camelback Bridge. There’s a t-shirt in it for you!
We’ll finish the day with a hot-dog cookout and some bluegrass by the Hill Boys. Music will begin at 4.
Stick around and hear stories about our favorite cryptid, Bigfoot, from Mike Parker. Mike’s family is the First Family of Bigfoot around here. Local lore places Sasquatches all around our river.
To register for this program or if you have questions, email camelbackbridge@gmail.com.
*Household Hazardous Waste Day
When:Saturday, June 19th, 2021, 9am – 3pm
Where:Chatham County Solid Waste and Recycling, 28 County Services Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312
What: Protect our surface and ground waters by bringing your Household Hazardous Waste to be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
If you have questions, check out the County Solid Waste and Recycling website at
www.chathamcountync.gov/recycleor their HHW website at www.chathamcountync.gov/hhw. Monthly events are the third Saturday of each month through November.
Sunday June 20th
Monday June 21st
*Learn about Cumnock’s early days!
When:June 21, 7 p.m.
Where: Cumnock Union United Methodist Church. 851 Cumnock Road., Sanford, NC
What:Join us and Duke University graduate student Cole Wicker, who will talk about how Cumnock was settled, and how the early days got us to where we are.
Cole is a graduate student in Duke University’s Master of Liberal Studies Program. Cole’s research interests include public and oral histories, southern history, and the history and race and racism in the American South. Cole is currently researching the importance of sites of public memory, notably the Deep River and Central North Carolina’s coal mining heritage. Cole’s roots run deep in Cumnock and the Deep River region, as his family ties span many generations, and is recently a resident-gone-now-returned to Cumnock.
To register for this program or if you have questions, email camelbackbridge@gmail.com
Tuesday June 22nd
*River art!
When:June 22, 7 p.m.
Where:Cumnock Baptist Church picnic shelter, 477 Cumnock Road, Sanford, NC
What:Use your skills in the art of painting to create your own 8×10 acrylic painting of a water lily with retired art teacher Donna Strickland!
Cost is just $25.00 and all materials will be provided.
To register for this program or if you have questions, email camelbackbridge@gmail.com
Wednesday June 23rd
*Cape Fear Shiner Program
When:Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021, 10:30am – 12:00pm
Where:Rocky River at the Pittsboro- Goldston Rd. bridge,
What: Join Brena Jones from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission as she talks about the endemic Cape Fear Shiner and the efforts to improve the habitat and increase the numbers of this endangered fish. After a short presentation, we will walk in the river, take a look at some of our native fish and try to spot a Cape Fear Shiner. Dress to get wet!
Pre-registration is required. To register for this program or if you have questions, email the RRHF rockyriverheritageinfo@gmail.com.
Thursday June 24th
*DIY Rain Barrel Workshop
When: Thursday, June 24th, 2021, 7pm – 8pm
Where: Boling Park, Siler City, NC
What:Help the water quality of the Rocky River and decrease flooding by making your own Rain Barrel. Rain Barrels store and slow the rainwater running off the roofs during a rainstorm which prevents flooding downhill. This water can later be used to water your yard or garden saving water and money in dry weather! Cost:$20.00
For questions or to register for this program, email the RRHF rockyriverheritageinfo@gmail.com.
*Native Plants for Planting Near Creeks and Streams
When: June 24, 2021 5:30 – 6:30pm
Where: online via Zoom
What: This Zoom workshop will review some of the best native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for planting near streams and creeks. We’ll consider each species for ecological function and horticultural value.
For questions about this program, contact Matt Jones at matt_jones@ncsu.eduor to register for the program go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-plants-for-creeks-and-streams-tickets-157678459517
*Let’s talk history with Jimmy Haire!
When: June 24, 7 p.m.
Where: Cumnock Union Methodist Church, 851 Cumnock Road, Sanford, NC
What: Jimmy knows all there is to know about Sanford and Lee County history. He’s a wealth of knowledge, and he’s a great storyteller. Come listen Jimmy’s tales of the Deep River and the areas around the County.
To register for this program or if you have questions, email camelbackbridge@gmail.com
Friday June 25th
*Paddle the Rocky River
When:Friday, June 25th, 2021, 5pm – 7pm
Where:Hackney Millpond Paddle, Siler City
What:Enjoy a late afternoon paddle on the quiet waters of Hackney Millpond in Siler City. This jewel on the Rocky River flows past large trees, mountain laurel slopes and there is always the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife along the river.
Bring your own boat and pre-registration is required.
To register for this program or if you have questions, email the RRHF rockyriverheritageinfo@gmail.com
Saturday June 26th
*Get yourself in the river with Cape Fear River Adventures and Endor Paddle!
When: June 26, 2 p.m.
Where: Deep River Park – Camelback Bridge, Cumnock Rd., Sanford, NC
What: The fine folks from the Cape Fear River Adventures will be on hand at Deep River Park — Camelback Bridge to offer a kayak demonstration and maybe have some kayaks for rent. Time is 2 p.m.
If you’d like to take a trip down the Deep River that morning, make a reservation at endorpaddle.com. Use the promo code creekweek to get a 10-percent discount on kayak or tube rental!
If you have questions about this program, email camelbackbridge@gmail.com
Chatham County Creek Week! 