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OUR PROJECTS
Storm Drain Markers
Water Monitoring
Keep It Clean
Litter Catcher
River Cleanups
Dog River Park
Pathways Project
Montlimar Fitness Trail
Boundary Signs
Stream Signs
Dog Paddle
Speakers Bureau
Dog River Guardians
Dog River History and Memories
Suggestion Box
Storm Drain Markers
The Storm Drain Marker Project teaches citizens that storm drains flow directly into the creeks and streams that feed Dog River. Any trash, chemicals, old motor oil, yard clippings, etc that is allowed to reach a storm drain will end up in a tributary or Dog River and affect the fish and wildlife that depend upon the river. It also makes the river a much less pleasant place for boating, skiing, and swimming. Anyone who is interested in the Storm Drain Marker Project may contact Janet Miller, 654-1827.
Volunteer and participate in the Storm Drain Marker Project
Volunteers glue four inch disks onto storm drains in the Dog River Watershed. DRCR provides the supplies and a specific neighborhood or area to cover. Almost any age or size group can participate for any time period. One parent and child may participate. You can work on this project for a few hours or as long as you like.
DRCR's Storm Drain Marker Project began in the summer of 2006. Over 200 individuals and groups have been involved including individuals, school groups, Community Action Groups, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, clubs from USA and Springhill College, Boys and Girls Club members, Americorps members, Volunteer Mobile, and many more. We have installed approximately 2,500 markers in the watershed thus far.
DRCR seeks volunteers to install markers or contribute funds to help pay for the purchase of the markers and other supplies needed for the project.
Water Monitoring
DRCR provides training and testing supplies to volunteers who test water samples at sites along Dog River or its tributaries. These water samples are tested for a number of parameters on a monthly basis. Results are collected and reported to Alabama Water Watch. This testing provides a picture of the waterways over time.
This project is great for those whose time is limited. It takes about an hour a month other than the certification class (2-3 hours). Volunteer to become a water monitor. Contact Us.
Keep It Clean
This is an opportunity for your business to participate. "Keep It Clean" stickers are available to businesses in the Dog River Watershed to remind citizens to put trash in its place. The goal of this project is to place trash cans outside business entrances, making it easy for people to dispose of trash properly. DRCR provides stickers (6 X 10") to place on trash cans.
Keep It Clean project is intended to reduce trash in your parking lot. Small businesses place a trash can outside entrances to make it easy for people to get rid of their trash. Trash in parking lots is bad for business and Dog River Watershed. Contact us to get stickers for trash cans.
Litter Catcher
The litter catcher is a plastic tube (boom) that rests on the surface of an urban stream to catch litter that floats by. Otherwise this litter would get into our recreational waterways. Thanks to the City of Mobile Public Works Department, who removes the trash from this device. There is one device at the confluence of Eslava Creek and Bolton Branch. Monies are available for several more booms. DRCR is dependent on the City of Mobile to agree to sites and to clean the booms.
River Cleanups
DRCR participates in two national water cleanups. Volunteers help remove trash from shorelines in these events. Volunteers use boats, kayaks and walk along the shore of any stream in the Dog River Watershed to remove trash. Contact Us to participate in the next river cleanup or to hold one for a group. These are great teaching tools to let children see that litter is wrong.
Dog River Park
Everyone in Mobile is a waterfront property owner at Dog River Park. The park has sweeping views of Dog River for all citizens to enjoy. The park is minutes from anywhere in Mobile and is inside the city limits. People fish along the shoreline and there are free boat launches. Dog River Park has the potential to be a beautiful waterfront park for all citizens to enjoy.
Dog River Clearwater Revival believes the Dog River waterfront should be accessible to all citizens. We are working to make improvements to this long neglected park for the benefit of all citizens of Mobile. Improvements thus far include a new park sign, thanks to our City Councilman John Williams and a grant from the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP); plantings, and a canoe launch. More native plants are to be planted soon in another area, again thanks to MBNEP grants. Another DRCR/MBNEP project is soil erosion protection along the southern bank below the boat launches. This will entail wave fences and planting of a natural habitat, which will also be good for native plants and animals. .
Contact us to learn more about plans for Dog River Park and to get involved. Dog River Park was formerly known as Navco Park and Luscher Park. Click here for directions to Dog River Park.
Dog River Park Project - Background Information
This is a major project for DRCR because we believe public access is important. People who use this park will appreciate the recreational value of Dog River and its tributaries. This leads to more citizens receptive to being good stewards of the watershed. And, DRCR needs good stewards upstream.
The current situation in the park:
Park expenditures have been driven by the interests of boaters and football. There is, in fact, a football field on the waterfront!
An old master plan exits but is primarily to create a large parking lot for boats. The centerpiece of the design is a large asphalt area for boat trailers to maneuver and park right by the ramps, leaving little "park" for the vast majority of citizens who do not own boats.
The City of Mobile uses the park as a dump for spoils dredged from the river and creeks for purported drainage projects. A barge and dredging equipment is often stored at the park. Dredging spoils are dumped in the park, allowed to dry and then hauled away.
Illegal dumping is common, likely a result of the City of Mobile using the park as a dump.
Free public boat ramps.
Individuals fish from the shoreline.
A building where a part time city employee gives ceramic classes.
Restrooms that are often locked.
A gazebo that has seen better days.
The city sold part of the park to an adjoining business a few years ago.
Our objectives for the park include:
1. Make improvements that create a beautiful waterfront setting for all to enjoy, not just boaters and football players. The vast majority of citizens don't play football or own boats.
2. Add amenities to attract people to the park for diverse uses (not just boaters and football).
3. Move parking for boat trailers so it doesn't detract from the beauty of the waterfront area.
4. Good lighting for security.
5. A "Dog Park," fenced area for dog owners. This would attract people from all over as there are no dog parks in the area.
6. Stabilize the eroding shoreline and restore wetlands.
7. Create a fitness trail with benches.
8. Create areas for swimming and fishing.
9. Picnic area, play area and playground equipment.
10. Provide environmental education with bulletin boards at boat ramps, and at wetlands.
11. Landscape with native plants to stabilize shoreline and provide shade.
12. Open restroom facilities.
13. Other improvements as required and supported by the citizens of Mobile.
Dog River Park is Spoiled
The City of Mobile must permanently cease all spoil activity at the park. The city has permits for, and uses, other sites. They can obtain Corp of Engineer permits for new sites. Public access to the waterfront is an issue for the citizens of Mobile. Dog River Park is waterfront property owned by all citizens. Parks current usage as a city dump in unacceptable.
Here are current dredging operations in a nutshell. The City of Mobile dredges small canals purportedly as a drainage project. The city does not dredge to increase the depth of the navigable portions of the river or creeks.
City uses a track hoe on a barge to remove spoils from canals one bucket at a time. The stuff is heavy and full of water. City loads spoils onto a barge and offloads it onto Dog River Park for "dewatering" (they also have and use other sites around the river). Once the wet spoils dewater, they bring in dump trucks and haul them to landfill. This activity has destroyed wetlands along the southern tip of the park and is an eyesore. These dumping activities have, no doubt, tempted citizens to use the site for illegal dumping.
City owns 3 dredging operations:
1 suction dredge in Moore Creek (can go under I-10) on private property.
1 suction dredge in Bolton Branch (MAWSS or city property)
Big barge/tugboat with track hoe in Dog River and 2 full time city employees. Barge is 28' X 65', draws 3.5' empty and 5' when full. Barge cannot go under I-10 overpasses. Dredging is dependent on tides. Otherwise, they move track hoe to a truck and takes it to unnavigable streambanks to dredge them.
Known Permitted Sites - A Corp of Engineers permit is needed (just like for building a wharf).
Moore Creek - for big barge - by Lipscomb Landing.
Bolton Branch - suction used.
Dog River - Dog River Park.
Moore Creek - private property.
Robinson Bayou - across from Manning's marketplace.
Pathways Project
As a part of our mission to increase access to Dog River amenities, the group encourages the maintenance and expansion of the current Montlimar Fitness Trail. The first DOG RIVER RUN was held on June 6th, 2009, at 6 PM. The goal of this race is to increase awareness of the trail and to increase demand for additional paths along the watershed tributaries.
The Pathways project also includes creating a Blue Way on Dog River. This pathway is dedicated to canoe and kayakers to provide ready access points to the water.
Montlimar Fitness Trail - A one mile area bordering Montlimar Canal for walking or running.
Boundary Signs
Where does a watershed begin and end? DRCR secured funding to place signs that identify the boundaries of the DRW. The signs are placed at boundary points throughout the watershed to educate and remind citizens the DRW is important.
Stream Identification Signs
Driving along local streets one crosses many small waterways. From natural creeks to concrete ditches, it's important to recognize they are connected to Dog River. Everything that happens along these creeks has an impact on the recreational benefit of Dog River. DRCR secured funding and placed signs to identify streams along the most heavily traveled streets in the DRW. To donate money toward the purchase of additional signs, Contact Us.
Dog Paddle
DRCR presents the annual Dog Paddle each year to on a Saturday in May or June at Dog River Park, Canoe and kayak races are held for both beginner and advanced paddlers. Proceeds go toward Dog River Park Restoration efforts. Sponsors for the 2008 Dog Paddle include Grady Marine, Blue Water Yachts, and Modern Homes. Thank you for caring and showing your support for Dog River!
Check the DRCR Calendar of Events for date and plans for the next Dog Paddle. There are activities for the entire family to enjoy. We need musicians, woodworkers, volunteers to help plan activities, and volunteers to work during the Dog Paddle. If you have ideas or would like to volunteer, please contact Ann Stein, 251-454-2322 cell or Claire Wilson 479-5599. Working together we can all make Dog River Park the showplace it should be for recreational pursuits.
Speaker's Bureau
DRCR is available to speak to groups of all ages. Contact Us.
Dog River Guardians
DRCR recognizes the efforts of individuals and businesses who exhibit good stewardship of the Dog River Watershed.
Individuals may participate by doing a few things around the home that help to reduce the human negative impacts on the river and streams.
Businesses may participate in the "Keep It Clean" project by providing labeled trash cans outside business entrances, loading docks and in parking lots.
Land developers and contractors are encouraged to use and maintain BMPs to reduce or eliminate the sediment runoff from sites where the land has been disturbed due to land clearing, construction sites and the like. Sites that do so are eligible to receive recognition for being a "Dog River Watershed Guardian," by having a sign placed at the construction site.
Dog River History and Memories, includes all streams and creeks in the Dog River Watershed
We welcome your memories of the Dog River Watershed, any history you can share, old and new photos. Contact us.
Suggestion Box
DRCR is always looking for good ideas and citizens to help with these and other projects. Contact us to share your goals for the Dog River Clearwater Revival and the Dog River Watershed.
Want to participate in DRCR projects? Contact us.
Storm Drain Markers
Water Monitoring
Keep It Clean
Litter Catcher
River Cleanups
Dog River Park
Pathways Project
Montlimar Fitness Trail
Boundary Signs
Stream Signs
Dog Paddle
Speakers Bureau
Dog River Guardians
Dog River History and Memories
Suggestion Box
Storm Drain Markers
The Storm Drain Marker Project teaches citizens that storm drains flow directly into the creeks and streams that feed Dog River. Any trash, chemicals, old motor oil, yard clippings, etc that is allowed to reach a storm drain will end up in a tributary or Dog River and affect the fish and wildlife that depend upon the river. It also makes the river a much less pleasant place for boating, skiing, and swimming. Anyone who is interested in the Storm Drain Marker Project may contact Janet Miller, 654-1827.
Volunteer and participate in the Storm Drain Marker Project
Volunteers glue four inch disks onto storm drains in the Dog River Watershed. DRCR provides the supplies and a specific neighborhood or area to cover. Almost any age or size group can participate for any time period. One parent and child may participate. You can work on this project for a few hours or as long as you like.
DRCR's Storm Drain Marker Project began in the summer of 2006. Over 200 individuals and groups have been involved including individuals, school groups, Community Action Groups, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, clubs from USA and Springhill College, Boys and Girls Club members, Americorps members, Volunteer Mobile, and many more. We have installed approximately 2,500 markers in the watershed thus far.
DRCR seeks volunteers to install markers or contribute funds to help pay for the purchase of the markers and other supplies needed for the project.
Water Monitoring
DRCR provides training and testing supplies to volunteers who test water samples at sites along Dog River or its tributaries. These water samples are tested for a number of parameters on a monthly basis. Results are collected and reported to Alabama Water Watch. This testing provides a picture of the waterways over time.
This project is great for those whose time is limited. It takes about an hour a month other than the certification class (2-3 hours). Volunteer to become a water monitor. Contact Us.
Keep It Clean
This is an opportunity for your business to participate. "Keep It Clean" stickers are available to businesses in the Dog River Watershed to remind citizens to put trash in its place. The goal of this project is to place trash cans outside business entrances, making it easy for people to dispose of trash properly. DRCR provides stickers (6 X 10") to place on trash cans.
Keep It Clean project is intended to reduce trash in your parking lot. Small businesses place a trash can outside entrances to make it easy for people to get rid of their trash. Trash in parking lots is bad for business and Dog River Watershed. Contact us to get stickers for trash cans.
Litter Catcher
The litter catcher is a plastic tube (boom) that rests on the surface of an urban stream to catch litter that floats by. Otherwise this litter would get into our recreational waterways. Thanks to the City of Mobile Public Works Department, who removes the trash from this device. There is one device at the confluence of Eslava Creek and Bolton Branch. Monies are available for several more booms. DRCR is dependent on the City of Mobile to agree to sites and to clean the booms.
River Cleanups
DRCR participates in two national water cleanups. Volunteers help remove trash from shorelines in these events. Volunteers use boats, kayaks and walk along the shore of any stream in the Dog River Watershed to remove trash. Contact Us to participate in the next river cleanup or to hold one for a group. These are great teaching tools to let children see that litter is wrong.
Dog River Park
Everyone in Mobile is a waterfront property owner at Dog River Park. The park has sweeping views of Dog River for all citizens to enjoy. The park is minutes from anywhere in Mobile and is inside the city limits. People fish along the shoreline and there are free boat launches. Dog River Park has the potential to be a beautiful waterfront park for all citizens to enjoy.
Dog River Clearwater Revival believes the Dog River waterfront should be accessible to all citizens. We are working to make improvements to this long neglected park for the benefit of all citizens of Mobile. Improvements thus far include a new park sign, thanks to our City Councilman John Williams and a grant from the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP); plantings, and a canoe launch. More native plants are to be planted soon in another area, again thanks to MBNEP grants. Another DRCR/MBNEP project is soil erosion protection along the southern bank below the boat launches. This will entail wave fences and planting of a natural habitat, which will also be good for native plants and animals. .
Contact us to learn more about plans for Dog River Park and to get involved. Dog River Park was formerly known as Navco Park and Luscher Park. Click here for directions to Dog River Park.
Dog River Park Project - Background Information
This is a major project for DRCR because we believe public access is important. People who use this park will appreciate the recreational value of Dog River and its tributaries. This leads to more citizens receptive to being good stewards of the watershed. And, DRCR needs good stewards upstream.
The current situation in the park:
Park expenditures have been driven by the interests of boaters and football. There is, in fact, a football field on the waterfront!
An old master plan exits but is primarily to create a large parking lot for boats. The centerpiece of the design is a large asphalt area for boat trailers to maneuver and park right by the ramps, leaving little "park" for the vast majority of citizens who do not own boats.
The City of Mobile uses the park as a dump for spoils dredged from the river and creeks for purported drainage projects. A barge and dredging equipment is often stored at the park. Dredging spoils are dumped in the park, allowed to dry and then hauled away.
Illegal dumping is common, likely a result of the City of Mobile using the park as a dump.
Free public boat ramps.
Individuals fish from the shoreline.
A building where a part time city employee gives ceramic classes.
Restrooms that are often locked.
A gazebo that has seen better days.
The city sold part of the park to an adjoining business a few years ago.
Our objectives for the park include:
1. Make improvements that create a beautiful waterfront setting for all to enjoy, not just boaters and football players. The vast majority of citizens don't play football or own boats.
2. Add amenities to attract people to the park for diverse uses (not just boaters and football).
3. Move parking for boat trailers so it doesn't detract from the beauty of the waterfront area.
4. Good lighting for security.
5. A "Dog Park," fenced area for dog owners. This would attract people from all over as there are no dog parks in the area.
6. Stabilize the eroding shoreline and restore wetlands.
7. Create a fitness trail with benches.
8. Create areas for swimming and fishing.
9. Picnic area, play area and playground equipment.
10. Provide environmental education with bulletin boards at boat ramps, and at wetlands.
11. Landscape with native plants to stabilize shoreline and provide shade.
12. Open restroom facilities.
13. Other improvements as required and supported by the citizens of Mobile.
Dog River Park is Spoiled
The City of Mobile must permanently cease all spoil activity at the park. The city has permits for, and uses, other sites. They can obtain Corp of Engineer permits for new sites. Public access to the waterfront is an issue for the citizens of Mobile. Dog River Park is waterfront property owned by all citizens. Parks current usage as a city dump in unacceptable.
Here are current dredging operations in a nutshell. The City of Mobile dredges small canals purportedly as a drainage project. The city does not dredge to increase the depth of the navigable portions of the river or creeks.
City uses a track hoe on a barge to remove spoils from canals one bucket at a time. The stuff is heavy and full of water. City loads spoils onto a barge and offloads it onto Dog River Park for "dewatering" (they also have and use other sites around the river). Once the wet spoils dewater, they bring in dump trucks and haul them to landfill. This activity has destroyed wetlands along the southern tip of the park and is an eyesore. These dumping activities have, no doubt, tempted citizens to use the site for illegal dumping.
City owns 3 dredging operations:
1 suction dredge in Moore Creek (can go under I-10) on private property.
1 suction dredge in Bolton Branch (MAWSS or city property)
Big barge/tugboat with track hoe in Dog River and 2 full time city employees. Barge is 28' X 65', draws 3.5' empty and 5' when full. Barge cannot go under I-10 overpasses. Dredging is dependent on tides. Otherwise, they move track hoe to a truck and takes it to unnavigable streambanks to dredge them.
Known Permitted Sites - A Corp of Engineers permit is needed (just like for building a wharf).
Moore Creek - for big barge - by Lipscomb Landing.
Bolton Branch - suction used.
Dog River - Dog River Park.
Moore Creek - private property.
Robinson Bayou - across from Manning's marketplace.
Pathways Project
As a part of our mission to increase access to Dog River amenities, the group encourages the maintenance and expansion of the current Montlimar Fitness Trail. The first DOG RIVER RUN was held on June 6th, 2009, at 6 PM. The goal of this race is to increase awareness of the trail and to increase demand for additional paths along the watershed tributaries.
The Pathways project also includes creating a Blue Way on Dog River. This pathway is dedicated to canoe and kayakers to provide ready access points to the water.
Montlimar Fitness Trail - A one mile area bordering Montlimar Canal for walking or running.
Boundary Signs
Where does a watershed begin and end? DRCR secured funding to place signs that identify the boundaries of the DRW. The signs are placed at boundary points throughout the watershed to educate and remind citizens the DRW is important.
Stream Identification Signs
Driving along local streets one crosses many small waterways. From natural creeks to concrete ditches, it's important to recognize they are connected to Dog River. Everything that happens along these creeks has an impact on the recreational benefit of Dog River. DRCR secured funding and placed signs to identify streams along the most heavily traveled streets in the DRW. To donate money toward the purchase of additional signs, Contact Us.
Dog Paddle
DRCR presents the annual Dog Paddle each year to on a Saturday in May or June at Dog River Park, Canoe and kayak races are held for both beginner and advanced paddlers. Proceeds go toward Dog River Park Restoration efforts. Sponsors for the 2008 Dog Paddle include Grady Marine, Blue Water Yachts, and Modern Homes. Thank you for caring and showing your support for Dog River!
Check the DRCR Calendar of Events for date and plans for the next Dog Paddle. There are activities for the entire family to enjoy. We need musicians, woodworkers, volunteers to help plan activities, and volunteers to work during the Dog Paddle. If you have ideas or would like to volunteer, please contact Ann Stein, 251-454-2322 cell or Claire Wilson 479-5599. Working together we can all make Dog River Park the showplace it should be for recreational pursuits.
Speaker's Bureau
DRCR is available to speak to groups of all ages. Contact Us.
Dog River Guardians
DRCR recognizes the efforts of individuals and businesses who exhibit good stewardship of the Dog River Watershed.
Individuals may participate by doing a few things around the home that help to reduce the human negative impacts on the river and streams.
Businesses may participate in the "Keep It Clean" project by providing labeled trash cans outside business entrances, loading docks and in parking lots.
Land developers and contractors are encouraged to use and maintain BMPs to reduce or eliminate the sediment runoff from sites where the land has been disturbed due to land clearing, construction sites and the like. Sites that do so are eligible to receive recognition for being a "Dog River Watershed Guardian," by having a sign placed at the construction site.
Dog River History and Memories, includes all streams and creeks in the Dog River Watershed
We welcome your memories of the Dog River Watershed, any history you can share, old and new photos. Contact us.
Suggestion Box
DRCR is always looking for good ideas and citizens to help with these and other projects. Contact us to share your goals for the Dog River Clearwater Revival and the Dog River Watershed.
Want to participate in DRCR projects? Contact us.
