The South River Watershed Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the South River Watershed located in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia, United States. Established in 2022, the Coalition emerged from the legacy of the DuPont Science Team, which for decades focused on addressing mercury contamination in the river stemming from industrial activity in Waynesboro, Virginia. With the major remediation efforts largely complete, the Coalition has expanded its mission to inspire and facilitate collective and individual action aimed at protecting the ecological health and sustainability of the watershed for present and future generations[2][4].

Geographic Scope

The South River Watershed encompasses an area of approximately 230 square miles, covering parts of Augusta County and the independent city of Waynesboro. The river itself originates as a small stream in southeastern Augusta County and flows northward through Waynesboro, continuing along the western foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains before merging with other tributaries to form the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Rockingham County. The watershed’s shape has been noted to resemble the geographic outline of Italy[4].

Mission and Objectives

The Coalition’s core mission is to conserve the South River Watershed as a vital natural resource, ensuring healthy communities and a sustainable economic foundation for generations to come. This mission is pursued through multiple strategic objectives including:

• Protecting and improving water quality to safeguard the health of the South River and its surrounding ecosystems.

• Engaging and educating the community to promote awareness of the watershed’s interconnected environmental systems and encourage stewardship actions.

• Facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholders such as local residents, businesses, governmental entities, and environmental organizations.

• Highlighting and supporting recreational opportunities along the South River as a means to foster economic development and community well-being.

• Continuing partnerships with conservation groups to promote ecological restoration and watershed-conscious land and water use practices[2].

Historical Context

The watershed has a complex environmental history, notably marked by the DuPont Rayon manufacturing plant operation beginning in 1929 in Waynesboro. This facility used mercury in its production process, resulting in significant contamination of the river and surrounding environment. Over the following decades, despite economic challenges such as the Great Depression and industrial expansion, the site contributed to environmental degradation of the watershed[2].

Following extensive remediation and restoration projects including riverbank stabilization and mercury cleanup, public perception of the South River has shifted from a polluted and avoided waterway to one valued for its recreational, ecological, and community significance. The South River Watershed Coalition plays a central role in continuing this transformation by bridging scientific understanding and active community involvement to promote the river’s long-term health[2][4].

Activities and Outreach

The Coalition actively develops educational resources and outreach initiatives to engage the public. One notable effort includes the production of the "South River Currents" video series which highlights watershed health and environmental issues. The Coalition also coordinates watershed summits and works closely with other nonprofit partners such as the Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley to enhance regional cooperation and conservation impact[2][4].

Additionally, the Coalition supports projects like the South River Greenway in Waynesboro, a two-mile shared-use trail providing increased public access to the river while promoting recreation and environmental awareness[4].

Partnerships

Collaboration is fundamental for the South River Watershed Coalition. It evolved from the DuPont citizen advisory board and continues to work alongside local government bodies, environmental organizations, and community groups. This network of partnerships enables the Coalition to address complex watershed challenges comprehensively and to mobilize resources and expertise for conservation[4][2].

The South River Watershed Coalition represents a model of community-driven environmental stewardship focused on restoring and maintaining the health and vitality of a historically impacted watershed in Virginia, blending scientific remediation with ongoing public engagement and ecological conservation.