Education and Outreach

Jacob's Nature Park at Sinking Creek

BWP, in conjunction with the City of Johnson City and many other partners, has helped to create an environmental education park on in the King Springs area of the city, which includes a wetland area along Sinking Creek. The 28-acre park includes forest and rock outcroppings above the wetlands along Sinking Creek.  The educational purpose and public access will include a boardwalk and trails with interpretive information about the habitats and wildlife found within the park. A unique educational purpose of the park is to raise awareness about the high levels of E. coli bacteria that has been found in Sinking Creek and the community efforts to restore the stream. BWP supports the official naming of the site as "Jacob's Nature Park at Sinking Creek".

The park was inspired by a collaboration between BWP and the Jacob Francisco Memorial Century & Awareness Walk. Jacob Francisco is a young Johnson City resident who lost his life at age 6 from complications related to E. coli .  It is not certain how Jacob came into contact with the bacteria, but the connection between water quality and human health can not be ruled out if future tragedies are to be prevented.   Since his death in 2004, Jacob's family has tirelessly advocated for increased research and awareness of the hazards of E.coli in food and water.  BWP that its mission  for water quality afford participation with a team that promotes Jacob's legacy of exploring, learning, and caring. BWP invites you to visit www.jacobfransisco.org to learn the full story about Jacob, the Park and other activities surrounding the celebration of our young community member's life.

 

Latest News, June 19, 2018

 Johnson City's Jacob's Nature Park gains national recognition

see details from link below.

https://www.wjhl.com/local/johnson-city-s-jacob-s-nature-park-gains-national-recognition/1250093290