Without high water quality and protected waterways, paddling just isn’t as fun and relaxing. To keep the paddling experience special for everyone, approach your trip on the water as an opportunity to be a water steward, and protect our streams and rivers for the benefit and use of all. Remember to abide by pack-in-pack-out rules, and never drag your boat along the banks or river bottoms.
Want to make a difference? There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and protect Central Ohio’s five main waterways based on your unique skillset. Below are some existing opportunities to make a positive impact around Central Ohio. Please reach out to the organization hosting the event for more information.
The following events are open opportunities to volunteer and help keep Central Ohio Waterways free of debris. For more information, follow the links – if available – or reach out to the organizing entity:
FRIENDS OF ALUM CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (FACT)
FRIENDS OF LOWER OLENTANGY WATERSHED (FLOW)
LICKING COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT – RIVER ROUNDUP
GREEN COLUMBUS – SCIOTO SWEEP
Not able to participate in the River Cleanups or interested in doing more? Learn about and contact some of the groups around Central Ohio who are always looking for more hands to care for our natural spaces:
Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
City of Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks
Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT)
We’ve all seen trash left on the side of the highway or in our neighborhood stream, but do you know just how much damage litter causes to aquatic ecosystems and public health? Most trash contains microplastics that make their way to Ohio’s waters and do not decompose. Microplastics are ingested by wildlife and release pollutants into the water. To keep Ohio’s waterways clean and healthy, be sure not to leave any waste or trash and pick up any litter you see left behind.
Every creature, big or small, depends on high water quality to lead a healthy life. To keep ourselves and our aquatic ecosystems healthy, we must take action to protect the water quality in our rivers and streams. Some actions you can take to prevent water pollution at home are to dispose of pet waste properly, mulch or compost yard waste, make sure to keep fertilizer away from paved areas, and properly dispose of hazardous materials.
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