Winchester Green Circle

The Preserve has been studied by local high school students and by the Environmental Studies Program at Shenandoah University.  A special focus has been given to water quality and rare native plants.  The Opequon Watershed, Inc. and the Virginia Native Plant Society recently began a program to identify and remove invasive plants.  Previously sponsored activities included stream cleanups, streambank restoration, and tree planting.  Other community organizations have sponsored activities at the site, including clearing trails and cleaning up abandoned homeless sites.

Both students and community groups will be leading nature and history tours.  These educational efforts are part of a comprehensive approach to raise awareness about the historic and environmental significance and social conditions in our community.  Regularly scheduled events are also consistent with the strategies of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).  Shawnee Springs in some respects is a pilot project to establish methods to overcome obstacles for safe public use, restoration, and preservation of urban green space.

The Winchester Department of Parks & Recreation and its local partners are working to provide safe access and interpretation of this special property.  Development of the site will continue to be done with small grants, donations, and volunteer labor.