In the early days of the NC Science Trail, even before the official 2023 launch, we said there needed to be a Citizen Science component to our work. Citizen Science is, in my opinion, a true spark of genius because it gets the public involved in scientific research. And when this was a completely new concept altogether, you can probably imagine the pushback that scientists gave: because experiments should be controlled, because there should not be so many variables, because sample collection is sacred in the world of science.
What the nay-sayers were missing is that Citizen Science gets the public involved in real world concerns. It asks them to care about the world around them, and that is a beautiful thing. When a group of students, or families, or in the case of this guest-written post, local community, are given an opportunity to make a difference in the world, not only do they show up, they get wet and muddy for the sake of science; i.e., for the sake of protecting one special creek that has brought them joy, pride, curiosity, and friendship.
There is real concern here for the future of Little Alamance Creek and there is frustration over the carelessness with which it has been treated. Many would not consider it the gem that it is – not just for recreation, but a haven for important species, a wildlife conduit for allowing safe passage and food, an educational opportunity for this community to share the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Read below to learn all about the Little Alamance Creek and the community efforts that have come together to protect this very special bit of nature.
