SHEPHERDSTOWN — For years, Town Run has been known as Shepherdstown’s “invincible” river, never flooding or drying up.
This legend is so widely known that it is even written on the informational sign outside the Shepherdstown Post Office.
According to environmental historian Dr. Keith Alexander, not only are rivers not invincible, they are vulnerable.
“Townrun’s myth of invincibility not only masks its vulnerability, but also serves to facilitate its exploitation,” Alexander said.
Alexander spoke to an audience Thursday in the Robert C. Byrd Center auditorium during a talk hosted by the newly formed Town Run Watershed Group. He spoke to the group about the history of the creek and the important role it plays in shaping Shepherdstown’s identity, and how the creek is in danger.
The Town Run, also known as the Falling Spring Branch, runs more than three miles directly through downtown Shepherdstown from its headwaters near Morgan’s Grove Park, eventually emptying into the Potomac River. There are over 25 natural hot springs along the course.
In 2010, Alexander began investigating the claim of invincibility and quickly discovered that it was not true. The stream flooded in 1934, as recorded in an article in the Shepherdstown Register about a “brave young man” who was canoeing on Princes Street. There is also evidence that the stream dried up, as seen in the article “Town Runs Takes Vacation” published in the Shepherdstown Register in 1909.
Over the years, this orchid has been used for various industries and activities, which has led to its deterioration. It was used to power factories in the area as early as 1738, when Thomas Shepard used the channel as a power source to open his factory.
Alexander also said the town has long been used as a “sink” for rainwater, snowmelt, and even oil and other liquids. According to him, the road has been devoid of vegetation for a long time.
Mr Alexander said despite the problems, the future of Town Run was hopeful, especially with groups like the Town Run Watershed Group holding frequent clean-up efforts. The group hosted an event last Saturday to clean up part of the creek as part of the statewide “Make it Shine” program.
Shepherd University students are also making progress in cleaning up rivers and restoring watersheds, as a more than 10-year-old project begins to show results.
According to Alexander, caring for the Town Run should be a top priority for everyone in Shepherdstown because the river contributes so much to the town’s identity. He said things people can do include not overwatering their lawns, using pesticides sparingly and making sure their septic tanks are pumped regularly.
“We all live downstream from ourselves,” Alexander said. “Our actions not only affect those living downstream, but also have a direct impact on ourselves.”
To learn more about the run and its history, visit the Town Run Watershed Group’s website — townrunwatershed.org.
