Calling all creek enthusiasts, environmental stewards, wildlife supporters, conservationists, and invested community members!
​We invite you to the Rickreall Creek Symposium.
When: Saturday, November 4th, 10am-11:30am
Where: Dallas Aquatic Center’s meeting room

Presentation

Join us to learn about:
  • healthy stream practices
  • invasive species control
  • current and future projects along the creek
  • ways you can be an advocate for clean, healthy streams and local wildlife

Speakers:
Dale Derouin, Rickreall Watershed Council:
  • History of work on the creek
​Beth Thiel, Polk SWCD:
  • Basic stream health principles
  • Benefits of riparian/streamside buffers
  • Invasive weed control in streams
  • Emerald Ash Borer
Mike Quisenberry, Environmental Compliance, City of Dallas/Elizabeth Sagmiller, City’s TMDL Consultant:
  • Erosion and how it applies to waterways
  • TMDL – healthy streams and how it applies to residents
  • Balancing flood potential and stream health
  • Beavers/supporting wildlife
Jennifer Ward, Parks and Rec Manager, City of Dallas:
  • Rickreall Creek Trail system
  • Engage with the Creek kids activities (Kiosk at Arboretum and Aquatic Center)
  • Tree Plotter
Craig Massie, Project Engineer, City of Dallas:
  • City of Dallas’ plans for expansion of Mercer Dam facility
Tony Spitzack, Fish Biologist, BLM:
  • Large woody debris project on Upper Rickreall Creek

​We will save time for Q&A after the presentations.

Accessibility: for accommodations, please contact Morgan Neil at morgan.neil@polkswcd.com. The meeting room of the Aquatic Center and path behind it are wheelchair accessible.

Registration: This is a free event. Registration is required and limited to 70 people.

Organized by: Polk Soil and Water Conservation District
​Coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided.

Optional creek walk

Join us after the presentations (~11:30am - 12:30pm) for a short nature walk along Rickreall Creek to learn about identification of native and non-native streamside plants, as well as common techniques for planting native vegetation and controlling non-native weeds.
The path is paved, but there may be some stops off the path. Dress for the weather; we’ll go rain or shine!

​Registration for the Creek Walk is full. Fill out the form below to be added to the wait list.