BRANDON TOWNSHIP-A new event will be in store on Saturday, June 7. Creekfest 2003 will celebrate Kearsley Creek, the shining jewel that runs through the heart of Ortonville.
Dan Keifer, development director for the Clinton River Watershed Council, said, “The idea of River Day started about five years ago when the council and myself were looking to celebrate our waterways. We wanted the whole community to come together and do a big cleanup. The idea has now spread to many other watershed councils.”
Many organizations have joined together, including the Clinton River Watershed Council, River of Life, Ortonville Historical Society, Flint River Watershed Council and the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy to host a gathering that centers around the importance of this “cool jewel.”
Kearsley Creek is a designated trout stream and headwaters to the Flint River and Saginaw Bay. The creek has been a part of Ortonville’s heritage for decades, just as the Old Mill, which rests on its banks, has been.
Brandon native and NOHLC member Lois Robbins has continued efforts to get Ortonville, Brandon Township and surrounding areas interested in the event and their local rivers and watersheds.
The organizations formed the Creekfest Planning Group. Their Thursday, Jan.30 meeting focused around booking presentations and discussing already-scheduled events, such as a minnow race, river dancers, drain stencilers and a show hosted by Joe Rodgers, a wildlife biologist who specializes in the rehabilitation of raptors.
The group also hopes to have a Creek Critters parade which will let children and/or adults dress as their favorite creek animal or fish and parade through town during Creekfest.
The planning group also made a short presentation at the Jan. 16 DDA meeting and the Jan. 27 village council meeting. The group did not request money, just support.
“If we could get support from anyone, not just the officials, it means all the world. Monetary support will let us book more events and speakers. There are no organizations that have money waiting for us. This event will come from fund-raising and our pockets,” said Robbins.
For Creekfest 2003 to be a success, the group needs the community, businesses and residents to help. Glenn LeFeber, of the Flint River Watershed Council, has worked closely with Robbins for some time in efforts to lend his time and support to the day and to the cause.
“It’s difficult to go over all the figures in your head when you only have so much that each individual in the group can give. This is a way for the local businesses to shine as well as the community,” said LeFeber.
The planning group’s purpose for many months has been to include the community in the celebration and education of what River Day actually means. The group feels the celebration of Kearsley Creek for River Day coincides with the purposes of the Main Street downtown rehabilitation program, which some village officials are considering.
“We are hoping to get as many volunteers as possible. We would like to have refreshments available, hands-on activities, and educational speakers and tools that will help the community learn about our environment as much as possible and other waterways in the township,” said Robbins.
In addition to Creekfest being a valuable educational resource, the event will also help meet requirements for the township’s Phase II EPA stormwater management program.
Dave Donnellon, Brandon Township’s contracted planner, said, “Brandon has to meet requirements given by the state of Michigan, passed down through federal guidelines asking all independent jurisdictions to have public education programs. In this area, the requirement says that the program must focus around teaching the community to learn about their lakes, rivers and streams and how to protect them.”
Anyone interested in donating time, money, or ideas can contact Robbins at (248) 969-2518.