About RCWA
Our Mission
Restore value back to our streams...
To educate, advocate and participant in activities and scientific research that improve, protect and enhance the sustainability of the Richland Creek watershed.
We say "RCWA" (reck-wa) for short.
Our web address — www.richlandcreekwatershedalliance.org
RCWA is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Charitable Purposes Code, including increasing public awareness of stream conservation issues and activities; Supporting and conducting nonpartisan scientific research, educational and informational activities to increase public awareness, collaboration, and advocacy of issues in stream protection, restoration, and sustainability; and organizing and conducting restoration projects that will improve water quality and enhance riparian habitat for the Richland Creek Watershed.
RCWA connects stakeholders to the significance of their watershed and talks about impacts affecting streams viability.
RCWA establishes cooperative, practical and effective programs that all stakeholders can participate.
RCWA seeks partnerships with neighborhoods, businesses, government, schools, churches and environmental groups.
RCWA reviews permits and proposals to prevent further stream degradation or increases in flood risk.
RCWA supports projects and development that address stream conservation and ecological sustainability.
After many presentations to community leaders RCWA Founder presented a PowerPoint introducing RCWA to her neighborhood — Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association on February 12, 2007.Over the following months neighbors and other entities became interested in RCWA and joined the RCWA network.
RCWA first to join Metro Water Services Adopt A Stream program.
The First RCWA event, Earth Day Celebration Project: Creek Clean UP at Charlotte Avenue was conducted April 2007 with support by Nashville business, Actus Lend Lease.
RCWA began the How-to Workshop: A Rain Barrel for your Garden in 2007 (June 14 and September 19th). Retrofitting of an old barrel was used as a teaching tool and then given away to the community.
August 29, 2007 - RCWA created the Water and Me; Water and Us presentation and gave it to all West End Middle School 7th grade science study classes.
RCWA collaborates with Greenways for Nashville TrailWatcher volunteers for the 2007 Fall greenway and creek clean up event; and again for the 2008 Watershed Wide Creek Clean with other groups resulting in 7 clean up sites.
Created A Creek Story, documentary about the organization and watershed
Retrofitted 75 rain barrels, facilitated 2 rain gardens and a stream bank stabilization project
Advocated successfully for more riparian reclaimed next to Creek for new west police precinct (54,000 sq ft).
Contributed to TWRA Instream Flow study (2 years) for Richland Creek
Secured an improved design for rerouting the Creek around the rock quarry after the 2010 Flood
Implemented stream monitoring program & conducted a targeted dissolved oxygen study 
Filed a BZA Appeal to defend Richland Creek from an outdated land use
Engaged hundreds of stakeholders in projects and workshops
Formed many partnerships and collaborations
Submitted comments, recommendations or graphics to public hearings and community visioning opportunities
Stakeholder, Monette Rebecca, B.S. Environmental Science discovered a need for a public alliance to protect Richland Creek soon after she moved into the area, Sylvan Park. After observing a gully washer rain event and the large volume of NPS pollution entering the creek at Charlotte Avenue she was motivated to begin an assessment of the watershed. This led to the creation of RCWA.
About a year of visual assessment, historical research, and researching regulatory reporting for streams in the watershed followed. She created a PowerPoint presentation to introduce the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance project in January 2007, which was presented to local leaders and organizations for peer review. The alliance’s primary objectives were introduced as: educating the public on water resource sustainability and related issues and to encourage stakeholder participation in stewardship projects and programs aimed at the protection of this historically and environmentally significant watershed.
In October 1770, General James Robertson led ten pioneer families from North Carolina over the East Tennessee Mountains into the Watauga River valley to settle the area which would become the first settlement of Tennessee in 1796. The Father of Tennessee also became the Father of Nashville.
Robertson built the first log cabin (1779), and later the first brick house in Nashville (1787) on the stream he named Richland Creek, for its' fertile soil, rich hunting and valuable waters (rich-land). Coined the "western edge of civilization" in 1796, Richland Creek also became a battle line between the north and south in 1864. The first road west from Nashville, originally the buffalo trail, Charlotte Road was named for the General's wife. Richland Creek holds a historical significance for the ciy, state and nation.
Markers for Roberston's driveway and Charlotte's road were erected by Daughters of the American Revolution; and Civil War action at Richland Creek by the Nashville Historical Commission. All historical markers are located on Charlotte Avenue (click images to enlarge).
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