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The Obed Watershed Community Association (OWCA) supports a variety of programs and activities focused on conservation, education, and stewardship of the Obed River watershed.
The Obed Watershed Community Association (OWCA) supports a variety of programs and activities focused on conservation, education, and stewardship of the Obed River watershed.
OWCA's programs and activities are designed to protect the Obed River watershed while engaging our community through education, stewardship, and hands-on involvement. From conservation initiatives to public events and volunteer opportunities, each effort supports our mission and helps foster a deeper connection to our local waterways.
OWCA's programs and activities are designed to protect the Obed River watershed while engaging our community through education, stewardship, and hands-on involvement. From conservation initiatives to public events and volunteer opportunities, each effort supports our mission and helps foster a deeper connection to our local waterways.
Participation looks different for everyone — but every contribution matters. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, or support our work as a member, you play an important role in preserving this unique natural resource for future generations.
Participation looks different for everyone — but every contribution matters. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, or support our work as a member, you play an important role in preserving this unique natural resource for future generations.
Ongoing Programs
Ongoing Programs
OWCA supports educational and outreach efforts that promote understanding of the Obed River watershed and encourage responsible stewardship.
Native Plants & Smart Yards
Native Plants & Smart Yards
OWCA promotes the use of native plants to improve water quality, reduce erosion, and support pollinators and wildlife. Educational outreach includes Smart Yard principles that encourage replacing turf grass with regionally appropriate native species adapted to local soils and climate.
Tree Day & Native Tree Distribution
Tree Day & Native Tree Distribution
OWCA serves as a local distribution partner for Tennessee Tree Day, helping place hundreds of native trees in Cumberland County. These efforts deliver long-term benefits, including cleaner air, carbon reduction, flood mitigation, and an expanded tree canopy.
OWCA participates annually in Tennessee Tree Day, a statewide initiative promoting the planting of native trees. In spring 2024, OWCA volunteers distributed 225 native trees representing more than a dozen species, supporting habitat, water quality, and long-term ecosystem health within the watershed.
Habitat Restoration
Habitat Restoration
OWCA partners with local organizations to support pollinator projects that improve biodiversity and watershed health. Projects such as Operation Pollination combine habitat restoration, volunteer engagement, and youth education to demonstrate the importance of pollinators in food systems and healthy ecosystems.
WCA supports community-led efforts to protect mature trees and preserve forest cover, recognizing the role trees play in soil stability, water filtration, wildlife habitat, and overall watershed health. These efforts emphasize responsible development practices and long-term environmental stewardship.
Stormwater & Watershed Restoration
Stormwater & Watershed Restoration
OWCA implements on-the-ground watershed restoration projects designed to reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and restore native habitat. These efforts use nature-based solutions such as rain gardens, wetland restoration, erosion control, and native plantings to slow and filter runoff before it reaches streams and lakes.
In 2022, OWCA partnered with Uplands Village and the Town of Pleasant Hill to install two demonstration rain gardens designed to manage stormwater runoff from roofs and parking areas draining into the Caney Fork watershed. The project used native plants and soil-building techniques to reduce erosion, filter pollutants, and increase biodiversity in developed areas.
Litter Reduction & Environmental Advocacy
Litter Reduction & Environmental Advocacy
OWCA works to reduce litter and plastic pollution through hands-on cleanups and educational partnerships. Collaboration with community groups helps raise awareness of plastic waste and its impact on streams, rivers, and ecosystems.
OWCA organizes and sponsors stream cleanups to remove trash, improve water flow, and protect aquatic habitats. Cleanup activities may also include minor debris removal and invasive plant management where appropriate.
Seasonal & Community Activities
Seasonal & Community Activities
OWCA hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including river cleanups, litter patrols, educational programs, and community outreach activities.
Tree Planting, Native Plants, & Habitat Restoration
Tree Planting, Native Plants, & Habitat Restoration
OWCA supports tree planting and native plant initiatives that strengthen watershed health and wildlife habitat. Efforts include participation in Tennessee Tree Day and partnerships that promote planting regionally appropriate species across Cumberland County.
OWCA regularly participates in tree-planting initiatives to improve habitat and watershed health. In spring 2022, OWCA distributed more than 500 native trees and shrubs through Tennessee Tree Day in partnership with the Tennessee Environmental Council.
Educational Activities & Guided Hikes
Educational Activities & Guided Hikes
OWCA hosts educational hikes and workshops led by scientists, naturalists, and experienced educators to connect the community with the ecology and history of the Cumberland Plateau.
OWCA provides education on native plants, pollinators, recycling, and watershed protection through presentations, written resources, community events, and partnerships. Topics include the ecological value of native "weeds," pollinator support, responsible land use, and everyday actions that protect water quality.
OWCA provides environmental education focused on the unique ecology of the Cumberland Plateau, including native plants and seasonal wildflowers. Educational materials highlight spring wildflower ephemerals—plants that emerge, flower, and retreat underground before the forest canopy closes—and emphasize the importance of protecting native species and leaving wild plants undisturbed.
Youth Education & Litter Reduction
Youth Education & Litter Reduction
OWCA supports youth environmental education projects that address real-world watershed challenges. In partnership with local organizations, students have participated in litter reduction education focused on reducing single-use plastics and understanding how plastic pollution affects water quality and ecosystems.
Current & Past Projects
Current & Past Projects
OWCA's projects evolve based on community needs, partnerships, and available resources. OWCA participates in regional education events that promote habitat conservation, pollinator protection, and responsible land stewardship, and shares resources and project information with the public.
Information about current initiatives will be added as details are provided.
Uplands Rain Gardens
Uplands Rain Gardens
In 2022, OWCA partnered with Uplands Village and the Town of Pleasant Hill to install two demonstration rain gardens designed to manage stormwater runoff from roofs and parking areas draining into the Caney Fork watershed. The project used native plants and soil-building techniques to reduce erosion, filter pollutants, and increase biodiversity in developed areas.
Events & Cleanups
Events & Cleanups
OWCA hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including community meetings, educational programs, and outdoor activities that support the Obed River watershed.
Our annual membership meeting is typically held each fall and provides members with an opportunity to learn about OWCA's work, connect with one another, and help guide the organization's future.
Outdoor events and activities vary throughout the year and are announced as they are scheduled.
Current Event Information
Event details and announcements are shared through our Facebook page, the calendar below, and other OWCA communications.
To volunteer for an event or request additional information, please contact us at obedwatershed1@gmail.com or (931) 484-9033.
Volunteer Stewardship
Volunteer-led cleanup events help reduce litter entering streams and lakes within the watershed. Activities are designed to be accessible for individuals and families and support long-term watershed health.
Volunteer participation is central to OWCA's mission. Activities include litter cleanups, invasive plant removal, trail work, tree planting, and garden restoration projects throughout the watershed.
OWCA organizes volunteer-led stream and litter cleanup events throughout the watershed to reduce pollution, protect aquatic habitats, and encourage community stewardship of local waterways.
Demonstration Projects
OWCA develops demonstration projects that show how environmentally responsible land management can be integrated into developed landscapes. These projects provide hands-on education for volunteers, residents, and partner organizations while encouraging replication throughout the watershed.
Birds, Bees, Bucks & Trees was a community education event focused on wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and outdoor stewardship in the Upper Cumberland region.
In 2025, OWCA participated in Birds, Bees, Bucks, and Trees, a free, community education event focused on wildlife conservation, habitat management, and natural resource stewardship in the Upper Cumberland region. The event brings together conservation organizations, educators, and resource professionals to share information on pollinators, native plants, wildlife habitat, forestry, and land management.
Past Events & Community Engagement
Past Events & Community Engagement
OWCA has a long history of hosting and participating in events that support conservation, education, and stewardship of the Obed River watershed.
Past activities have included:
Annual membership meetings and community gatherings
Invasive species removal and habitat restoration projects
Litter patrols and watershed cleanups
Educational presentations and workshops
Native plant sales and environmental outreach events
Partnerships with local parks, preserves, and community organizations
These events reflect the OWCA's ongoing commitment to protecting the watershed and engaging the community through hands-on involvement and education.
👉 View pictures from past OWCA events and activities in our Photo Gallery.
Community Partnerships
Community Partnerships
OWCA partners with local organizations, educational institutions, and advocacy groups to expand its impact. These partnerships support litter reduction, native plant education, and grant-funded conservation projects.
Stream Cleanups
Stream Cleanups
In 2024, OWCA hosted multiple waterway cleanup events across the watershed, removing trash from creeks and rivers while engaging volunteers in hands-on stewardship. Cleanup sites included Daddy's Creek, the Little Obed Wetland Complex, and the Emory River.
Looking for Other Ways to Support OWCA?
Looking for Other Ways to Support OWCA?
Online Store Merchandise
Supporters may purchase items that help promote OWCA and its mission through our Online Store.
Online Store Merchandise
Supporters may purchase items that help promote OWCA and its mission through our Online Store.
Orders are processed individually by our vendor and shipped directly to your address. Availability and offerings may vary.
These efforts support OWCA's mission while providing opportunities for individuals and families to get involved in meaningful ways.
These efforts support OWCA's mission while providing opportunities for individuals and families to get involved in meaningful ways.
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