Willcox Watershed Conservancy Regroups and Moves Forward
APRIL 13, 2026 | Petersburg, Virginia
The Willcox Watershed Conservancy (WWC), a non-profit dedicated to the preservation, improvement, and promotion of the historic, 100+ year old Legends Park and Willcox Lake on Defense Road in Petersburg, is pleased to announce major changes in the organization. Created in 2007, the volunteer group recently has appointed new officers, welcomed new board members, and, along with the City (the park and lake are city-owned), begun work on improvements to the park.
Under the leadership of President Matt Whalen, an ecology professor at Virginia State University, the following WWC initiatives are being implemented:
Partnering with the City and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (through the Virginia Natural Heritage program), to promote the responsible use, management, and protection of the park’s natural resources and to restore its ecosystems for future generations.
Monitoring the water quality at the dam through a through a citizen science grant from Department of Environmental Quality.
Monitoring the biodiversity in the historic wildflower meadow in collaboration with Virginia State University, and working on removing unwanted trees and invasive plant growth from the meadow.
Restoring and maintaining the network of historical foot trails throughout the park.
Restoring the historic Azalea Hill by removing weeds and invasive plants.
Cleaning educational signage throughout the park.
Removing the dead trees threatening the outdoor classroom; assessing the area, and developing plans for its improvement and possible expansion.
Keeping on top of the litter problem and looking for ways to prevent it.
Although the City handles general maintenance of the park such as mowing, cutting down large trees, pavilion/playground upkeep, and trash removal, the WWC understands that their public works crews are stretched. With that in mind, WWC members have been physically working on the restoration, clean-up, and conservation of the park’s natural features. Several workdays have taken place since last fall. When possible, other groups have been recruited to help out. These include members of the Petersburg Breakfast Rotary Club, Fort Lee soldiers, and Virginia State University students. Additionally, the WWC has hosted summer student interns through grants that pay them a stipend. Future plans include partnering with and/or involving other area organizations, including the Petersburg Garden Club (PGC)*, and area scout troops. The recruitment of a volunteer corps of area residents is also in the works.
“Legends Park and Willcox Lake are vital community assets, and we’re proud to support the Willcox Watershed Conservancy’s vision. We appreciate the important work they do. The City of Petersburg recently renovated the basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, with construction of our first adaptive and inclusive playground beginning soon and a splash pad on the horizon, while we partner with the Willcox Watershed Conservancy to enhance the trail system,” said Marquis Allen, Director of Recreation, Special Events, and Volunteerism for Petersburg.
Behind-the-scenes projects include revamping of the WWC website, creating a newsletter, and building a communication system that will keep area residents and other interested parties attuned to the organization’s progress. Plans also include the development of recreational programs and activities that will bring families and nature lovers to the park on a regular basis. A speaker’s bureau is on the horizon as well.
In the meantime, any organization, club and group that would like to learn more about the WWC is encouraged to submit a request by emailing it, with Speaker Request in the subject line, to wwc@willcoxwatershed.org.
President Whalen notes, “I am excited about revitalizing the working committees of Willcox Watershed Conservancy to empower our board of directors in serving the community. Petersburg Legends Historical Park includes Willcox Lake and a network of trails through forest and meadow that supports biodiversity, green space, and recreational opportunities within City limits. Come visit and help support our mission!”
While the work and expertise of volunteers is extremely valuable, some of the projects that the WWC hopes to implement will require funding. To that end, the WWC is working with the City to determine how they might extend their financial support for the park, applying for grants, and seeking donations from the general public, which can be made through the WWC website.
For updates on the WWC’s current work, including photos and videos created by Board Member Kyle Witten, visit Facebook and Instagram.
Questions can be sent by email or submitted through the Contact Us form on the website
