The Downstream Project

The mission of The Downstream Project is to promote natural resource conservation by stimulating awareness, action and alliances through visual arts and technology. We take an “OmniMedia” approach to communications that begins with producing regional documentaries on conservation issues that have global implications.

Gaining Ground Virginia

In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this project brings together a coalition dedicated to improving the economic and environmental sustainability of Virginia agriculture. At the core of this project are two 15-minute documentary movies, highlighting a dozen Virginia farmers as they explain how continuous no-till and managed grazing have improved their farms and their lives.

Getting More on the Ground

Bobby Whitescarver is a retired field conservationist with 31 years of experience with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. He has extensive experience with designing and implementing livestock grazing systems that keep the livestock out of the streams and provide them with alternative watering systems.

CSpoutRun: Spout Run Restoration

The ultimate goal of this project is the successful implementation of a comprehensive plan to remove Spout Run from Virginia’s impaired waters list. The objective is to use innovative OmniMedia communication tools as well as conventional approaches to: 1) Develop a locally supported management plan for the Spout Run watershed; and 2) Inform and inspire successful watershed planning processes in other Shenandoah Valley communities.