Keep Rivers, Streams, and Creeks Clean

Keeping rivers, streams, and creeks clean is crucial to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment. Here are five ways to help keep these bodies of water clean:

Properly dispose of waste 

One of the biggest contributors to water pollution is waste that is improperly disposed of. Avoid throwing trash and other waste materials into rivers and streams, and make sure to dispose of them in designated waste disposal areas. Additionally, avoid flushing harmful chemicals and medications down the toilet, as these can contaminate the water supply.

Reduce water usage 

Conserving water can help reduce the amount of pollutants that enter rivers and streams. Simple actions like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, fixing leaky pipes, and using water-efficient appliances can help conserve water and reduce the amount of pollutants that enter water systems.

Plant vegetation along rivers and streams 

Planting trees and other vegetation along riverbanks and streams can help prevent soil erosion and filter out pollutants. This helps keep the water clean and reduces the amount of sediment and other harmful materials that enter rivers and streams.

Volunteer to help clean

Support local efforts to protect and maintain the health of the tributary, such as volunteering for clean-up events or donating to conservation organizations. By supporting local efforts to protect and maintain the health of the tributary, we can help to ensure that it continues to provide important ecosystem services, such as clean water and habitat for wildlife. This can also benefit local communities by creating opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism. Additionally, volunteering for clean-up events or donating to conservation organizations can be a rewarding way to give back to the environment and connect with like-minded individuals.

No Pesticides!

Avoid using pesticides and other harmful chemicals that can run off into the tributary. Using pesticides and other harmful chemicals can have a negative impact on our environment, particularly our waterways. When these chemicals are used, they can easily run off into nearby tributaries and cause harm to aquatic life. To prevent this, it's important to find alternative methods of pest control such as using natural predators or organic pesticides. 

By taking these steps, we can help protect our waterways and the wildlife that depend on them.