Winyah Rivers Foundation and its Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® program along with its partners, North Inlet – Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium, and Horry County Museum, invite you to our FREE & FAMILY FRIENDLY public education event to learn about the important connections between our coastal communities and the land, rivers, and ocean. The Waccamaw Conference is an opportunity to increase community involvement in the protection and appreciation of the rivers and coasts that we all depend on. This year’s theme is The Journey of Trash: Pollution to Solution, highlighting common sources and impacts of trash in waterways throughout the Winyah Bay Watershed and what you can do to help. Understanding the journey of trash from land-based sources all the way to the ocean helps communities better protect our local waterways to ensure fishable, swimmable, drinkable water for our future.

The 2019 Waccamaw Conference will feature presentations, interactive exhibits, and a student poster contest. Held at the Horry County Museum, the Conference also presents an opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits displaying the history of our watershed.

Our speaker this year is Dr. Stefanie Whitmire of the Clemson Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science. Dr. Whitmire will discuss her research on microplastics on the South Carolina coast in her talk. We will also be hosting “Let’s Get Trashy: Discussing the Journey of Trash with the Experts,” a panel discussion with local experts including Kelly Thorvalson, S.C. Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital; Ranger Mike Walker, Huntington Beach State Park; Michelle LaRocco, Georgetown County Environmental Services Division; Michael Hughes, Horry County Solid Waste Authority; and Bo Ives, Keep Horry County Beautiful.

Students (K – 12^th grade and post-secondary) will be participating in a poster contest that will showcase the work of individuals or groups within the categories of science and art. Posters will be displayed during the conference and special time will be dedicated to allow attendees the opportunity to meet the poster presenters and ask questions.

Join us to celebrate the Waccamaw watershed and learn how you can protect our waters.

Winyah Rivers Foundation (dba Winyah Rivers Alliance) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization with the mission to protect, preserve, monitor, and revitalize the health of the lands and waters of the greater Winyah Bay watershed. The Alliance includes the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® and the Lumber RIVERKEEPER® programs. www.winyahrivers.org.

North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Georgetown, SC was established in 1992.  The mission of the Reserve is to promote healthy estuaries, and thriving ecosystems through research and education.  It is 1 of 29 reserves around the coastal United States that form the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. http://www.northinlet.sc.edu/

Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium was established in 2004 to assist local governments to meet federal requirements for stormwater education and public involvement. This includes programs for diverse audiences within the Waccamaw River Basin and coastal watersheds along South Carolina’s northern coast. www.cwsec-sc.org

The Horry County Museum was established in 1979 and opened its doors to the public in 1981. The Museum focuses on the history, pre-history, and natural history of Horry County, S.C., and educates the public about these subjects through exhibits, outreach programs, and events www.horrycountymuseum.org.