on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The event included a morning of stewardship activities, with volunteers fanning out to pick up litter and to work on area trails. Afternoon activities included conservation group displays, fly casting and tying demonstrations, live music and great offerings from food vendors. The celebration concluded with remarks from regional dignitaries and several people who were involved in planning the event, as well as with presentations of plaques of appreciation. Andy Brown, the Southeast restoration coordinator for Trout Unlimited, headed a large event-planning committee. “The Wilson Creek area is growing in popularity because it has so much to offer,” Brown said. “It was great to come together to celebrate the area’s history, and also to look forward to ensuring that it remains a special place.” Dozens of volunteers arrived early to help with stewardship activities. A group of mountain bike enthusiasts spent the morning working on the Wilson Creek Ridge Trail, clearing branches and shaping the trail (above) to reduce the possibility of 28
Winter 2019
erosion during heavy rain events. Meanwhile a hiker group did similar work the popular Harper Creek Trail, which sees a steady stream of backpackers and day hikers. Kayakers spent the morning picking up litter in the creek’s well-known “Gorge” section, a popular paddling stretch where the water tumbles raucously through a steep canyon. “We had a great time with the river cleanup,” said volunteer Jack Henderson. “I counted around 13 folks helping out, and we collected 15 bags of trash and also some big ticket items, including an old grill.” In the afternoon at the Visitor Center, a steady stream of visitors worked through tables manned by conservation groups