The late Art Ferguson would be proud of how far the little group that could has actually come in the past 15 years.

This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of the Symmes Creek Canoe Caper, an event designed to beautify a natural resource of Lawrence County and raise awareness about this gem.

Ferguson was the founder and promoter of the Symmes Creek Restoration Committee, serving for 28 years until his death in 2005. In addition to hosting this event, Ferguson’s vision for the creek included canoe launch sites from Arabia to Chesapeake.

The group leverages its small size by creating strong community partnerships that can focus on the beautification and conservation efforts.

We applaud the organization and President Grayson Thornton for keeping Ferguson’s vision alive and continuing a project that was very near and dear to his heart.

It is also worth recognizing some of the other organizations that continue to partner with the Symmes Creek Restoration Committee in order to make this event what it has become.

These include the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Wayne National Forest, Ohio University Southern, Ohio Division of Natural Resources, Division of Water Craft and Judge Donald Capper of the Lawrence County Municipal Court.

At one time the Symmes Creek boat landing was neglected and almost forgotten, as was the tributary that spans the county.

Thanks to efforts of these volunteers, that is no longer the case and the future looks bright.