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Columbia Marks 25 Years of Environmental Advocacy

Community members work together to restore Gills Creek during the anniversary celebration.

News Summary

The Gills Creek Watershed Association (GCWA) celebrates its 25th anniversary in Columbia with a focus on protecting local waters. As part of the festivities, a ‘Wine for Water’ event will be held on March 27, 2025, highlighting the association’s mission. Following recent challenges regarding water quality and flooding, community engagement initiatives are set to restore Gills Creek and promote safety efforts. The GCWA’s revitalization emphasizes the importance of collective action for environmental protection and preservation in the region.

Columbia Celebrates a Quarter-Century of Environmental Advocacy with the Gills Creek Watershed Association

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as the Gills Creek Watershed Association (GCWA) approaches its 25th anniversary. Since its establishment, the GCWA has been on a mission to protect and improve the waters of Gills Creek, an area rich with history, once a vital resource for Native American settlements.

A Glimpse into Gills Creek’s Rich History

Before the establishment of European settlements, the Gills Creek area was pivotal for Native Americans, featuring major paths connecting the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. The creek got its name from local settler James Gill, who took up residence in the area during the 1740s, while Jackson Creek was named after landowners Richard and Philip Jackson. Sadly, much has changed since then.

Transformation and Challenges

From 1962 to 2001, Gills Creek saw tremendous development, transitioning from lush farmland into suburban neighborhoods. This hasty urban growth brought about significant environmental challenges, notably pollution and habitat degradation. To combat these issues, the GCWA was initially formed in November 1999, focusing on water quality and sedimentation concerns in nearby Lake Katherine. Although it fizzled out over time, community spirit revived the association in December 2007, emphasizing the need for collective action in protecting this precious watershed.

Celebration and Community Involvement

As part of its 25th-anniversary festivities, the GCWA will host a Wine for Water event on March 27, 2025. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with delicious food, fine wines, lively music, and a silent auction—all in the name of raising awareness and funds for the watershed.

Keeping Our Waters Safe

In recent months, residents have faced troubling news regarding water safety. A study revealed concerning levels of E. coli bacteria in a tributary near Cutler School, prompting the suspension of outdoor student activities in that area. This alarming finding has highlighted the critical need for the community to work together, identify the origins of the bacteria, and take action to restore the safety of local waterways.

Addressing Flood Risks

The issue of flooding is another pressing concern for the community, particularly following the devastating floods of 2015 that hit Timberlane Drive hard, making properties unsuitable for residential living. The GCWA is actively seeking to purchase flood-prone areas along this road for natural restoration methods, a vital step in managing and mitigating future flood risks.

Greenway Expansion and Restoration Efforts

Exciting developments are in the works as well, with a proposal to expand the Gills Creek Greenway gaining momentum through the recently extended Penny Tax Program. In addition, discussions are ongoing for new regulations to tackle the issue of overgrown yards—an effort aimed at supporting environmental restoration.

Community Engagement Activities

To enhance community involvement, several initiatives, such as rain garden seminars, property tours, and creek cleanup events, are being proposed. These activities aim to raise awareness and foster volunteer participation dramatically. Repairs have also been undertaken near Old Neck Road to combat erosion along Gills Creek, protecting homes from flooding. This is especially crucial, given recent heavy rains, which prompted erosion along the creek embankment and damaged the local storm drain system.

Flood Safety Remains a Priority

In the face of continued development—over 70% of the area surrounding Gills Creek has been built up—officials are more vigilant than ever regarding flood risks. The reformation of South Carolina’s dam safety programs in the wake of catastrophic events in 2015 has brought crucial improvements, ensuring a higher standard for dam maintenance and safety. Community residents are encouraged to stay informed about flood zones and actively monitor water levels, as storms loom on the horizon.

As Columbia gears up for the GCWA’s upcoming anniversary and new initiatives, the commitment to restoring and protecting Gills Creek as a vital resource for the community is stronger than ever. With the collective efforts of residents, advocacy, and awareness, there’s hope on the horizon for both local waters and the people who cherish them.