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.
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.
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. Visit one of our partner’s website and find ways to get involved with protecting your local watershed. Change starts with you. Below are just some of the volunteer opportunities around Central Ohio.
Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
City of Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks
Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries (FACT)
111 Liberty Street Suite 100
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 228-2663
TTY: 1 (800) 750-0750
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