Let's Collaborate

West Virginia’s economy has historically been based on extractive industries, causing legacy impacts on the state’s economy and its citizens. However, there are several hopeful examples of the transformation that occurs when local waterways are restored. An environmental liability can become a community asset and even attract recreation-based tourism into economically depressed areas.

Watershed groups serve an important role in advocating for, preserving, and restoring their local waterways, as well as advancing and promoting recreational opportunities which may lead to economic gain in blighted communities. Common Waters aims to simultaneously address community and student needs by providing innovative opportunities for student-community engagement centered around rural water issues.

Student project spotlights

Chartiers Creek Erosion Study StoryMap

WVU undergraduate student Sarah Nelson developed an interactive StoryMap to engage the public in an erosion project with the Upper Chartiers Creek Watershed Association. The study monitored and quantified the erosion of a stream bank along a public park and ball field. The watershed association hopes the project will bring awareness and help make the case to funders to invest in the restoration of the stream bank.

Becoming a Watershed Champion

Hannah Blakely and Guardians of the West Fork partnered up to create a plan on how individuals living in the West Fork Watershed can minimize stormwater runoff and pollution leaving their property.

Mycoremediation of Acid Mine Drainage using Pleurotus ostreatus Fungus

Ever wondered what locally grown mushrooms can do for waterways impacted by acid mine drainage? Jay Clark partnered with Buckhannon River Watershed Association and Mushrooms are Your Allies (MAYA) to assess the impact of Pleurotus ostreatus on water quality.

Deep Creek Lake Sediment Study

WVU undergraduate Erica Koeplin is assessing sediment sources that are a risk to water quality in Deep Creek Lake. Her research will be able to provide recommendations for limiting sediment entering the water body.