Below are the projects MCCN members have reported to us:
Creek Clean-Up Collaboration
Congregation: Plains Mennonite Church, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Date: April 28, 2018
Body of Water: The Wissahickon Creek and tributaries stretch 23 miles, beginning in Montgomery County and emptying into the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. The Wissahickon Valley Park follows the Creek for most of its course, and its valley is known as one of the 600 National Natural Landmarks in the United States.
The plan: On Saturday morning, community members and congregants joined Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) and Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) for their 48th annual Creek Clean Up of the Wissahickon Creek. Participants were pre-assigned sections of the Creek, tributaries, and trails to clean, and invited to a post-clean up picnic to share food and stories.
Picnic and Paddle
Congregation: Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship, Taftsville, Vermont
Date: July 22, 2018
Body of Water: The Ottauquechee River is 41 miles long. It begins in the Green Mountains and flows into the Connecticut River on the east side of the state, passing through the valley where the Taftsville congregation is located and where congregants live.
The plan: After Sunday worship, congregants will picnic at the nearby East End Park then hop into boats for a river clean-up. In addition to picking up trash, participants will learn more about the newly renovated park and see a route they travel by car from a new perspective. See photos here.
Tending to our Tributary
Congregation: Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, BC
Date: July 22, 2018
Body of Water: Fishtrap Creek is a tributary of the Nooksack River and enters the Pacific near Bellingham, WA. It is the immediate watershed of Emmanuel Mennonite.
The plan: For the event, congregants are staying in the vicinity of the church, cleaning the nearby Maclure Park, Fishtrap, and neighborhoods. Maclure Park was designed to absorb the neighborhood’s storm water runoff and prevent flooding, so depending upon water levels most clean up will be done on foot. Here are some photos from the event!
Experiencing the Elkhart
Congregation: Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, Goshen, IN
Date: July 22, 2018
Body of Water: The 48 mile-long Elkhart River is a tributary of the St. Joseph River in northern Indiana. It begins as two branches in Port Mitchell Lake (South) and the Waldron Lake (North), and combines to form the Elkhart River. It flows northeast through Goshen, Dunlap and Elkhart and joins the St. Joseph River just north of Elkhart.
The plan: Berkey congregants plan an inter-generational walk on the Elkhart river to teach children and adults about their watershed. As they walk, children will enjoy a scavenger hunt for native species and adults will enjoy relaxed conversation about biblical and theological responsibilities the community has towards the river.
Love Your Water: Elkhart River Clean Up
Congregation: Benton Mennonite Church, Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship and Walnut Hill Mennonite Church (all of Goshen, IN) and the Goshen community
Date: Aug 25, 2018
Body of Water: The collaboration will be on the Elkhart River, described above.
The plan: Representatives from Benton Mennonite, Berkey Avenue Walnut Hill, and members of the Goshen community are planning a river clean up for the churches and community, followed by a lunch.
Respecting our River
Congregation: Emmaus Road Mennonite Fellowship, Berne, IN
Date: Summer, 2018
Body of Water: The Wabash River is the state river of Indiana and Runs southwest through the entire state. It stretches 503 miles long, beginning in northwest Ohio and drains into the Ohio River.
The plan: Emmaus Road Mennonite plans to teach congregants about what it means to appreciate their river and watershed. Knowing how to care for your area and what it means to be a steward of your resources is an important part of environmental stewardship.