The Twin Creek is a 47-mile stream that drains 316 square miles of rolling farmland west of Dayton. It is beloved by the people who live along its banks and praised by biologists who have studied it.

This gently-sloping stream flows over glacial till and is constantly recharged by cool, clean water from numerous underground pools. Scientists say it’s among the most biologically rich creeks in Ohio, especially for aquatic macroinvertebrates. A dozen species of freshwater mussels and 62 species of fish call Twin Creek home, including fish that need clean, clear water to live, like the black redhorse sucker. The lands that line the creek include many pools that protect amphibians.

However, over the last few decades, unsustainable development and farming practices that allow sediment and nutrients into the stream have become a threat to the watershed. The challenge is to work with the farming community to protect the creek, while maintaining a viable farming culture.

On May 10, Five Rivers MetroParks will present a symposium at Twin Creek MetroPark intended to provide a close examination of the Recreational and Natural State of Twin Creek through expert speakers and hands-on experiences along the creek.

Featured speakers and topics include:

• Hugh Trimble presenting aspects of the October 22, 2007 publication, OEPA Biological and Water Quality Study of Twin Creek and selected Tributaries;
  Kara Wendeln presenting, A Survey of Freshwater Mussels in Twin Creek.
• Monica Rakovan, Twin Creek Watershed Coordinator, presenting, Partnerships and Activities of Twin Creek Watershed Advisory Group and Water Quality Monitoring Program.
• Larry Frimerman, Director Three Valley Conservation Trust, providing an update on the Twin Creek Watershed Action Plan including load reduction calculations based on a sub-watershed basis to determine what improvements will be made are being prepared.
• Brent Anslinger presenting Five Rivers Outdoors recreational recourses and initiatives along the Twin Creek.

After lunch, symposium participants will drive to the base of Germantown Dam on the Twin Creek to participate in Macro-invertebrate water quality survey and fly fishing demonstration followed by parting remarks. The event will also be followed by an optional Twin Creek Float Trip exclusively for symposium participants and organized by Five Rivers Outdoors, the outdoor adventure initiative of MetroParks.

In organizing the symposium, MetroParks staff worked closely with the local Soil and Water Conservation District as well as the Twin Creek Watershed Group, which works to preserve and enhance the natural system functions of the Twin Creek watershed for future generations. MetroParks has also produced a Twin Creek Conservation Video, which is now available for viewing on www.metroparks.org.

The day’s activities, including lunch and handouts, are available to registrants for $20/person (additional $10 fee for the Twin Creek Float Trip). Advance reservations are required by May 1, 2008 and limited in number. For more information, call 937-855-7717.