Things YOU can do to Protect our Watershed
Mill Creek needs your help! Maybe you have joined us at clean-ups or water quality monitoring, but what else is there to do?
Here are some resources to guide you in caring for our watershed.
Plant Hardy Plants
Native plants such as prairie flowers and berry bushes offer good replacements to traditional landscaping plants because they require less watering and no artificial fertilizers or pesticides.
nature.org
Dispose of Household Chemicals Safely
Careful and correct disposal of chemicals is important to the longevity and quality of our groundwater source, the Great Miami aquifer.
wdhopperwaterwells.com
Limit Paved Areas
Permeable paths such as mulch and gravel allow rain water to soak back into the ground, reducing the amount of run-off that carries excess nutrients and sediment into our waterways.
cleanwateraction.org
Cultivate a Rain Garden
Rain gardens, rain barrels, and composting are at-home strategies you can implement to get the most out of our natural resources and benefit the environment at the same time!
swmpc.org
Composting at home
Composting is one of the most powerful actions that one can take to reduce trash, address climate change, and provide fertile soil on a budget. Once you have begun your pile, it is pretty simple and straightforward to maintain, plus it will provide low-cost fertile soil to your gardens!
Take Shorter Showers
A quick shower saves water. While your water is heating up for a warm shower, collect it in buckets and use it later for dishes, laundry, or to water your garden!
thewellnessproject.me
Use Natural Products
There are numerous alternatives to common chemical-heavy cleaners and self care products, many of which you can make at home, DIY style!
groundwater.org
Maintain Streambank Vegetation
Existing plants around waterways are essential to the health and stability of the stream. Advocate low-impact strategies in the maintenance and development of land around waterways to help protect our water.
www.leelanauconservancy.org
Teach Others
The Ohio EPA offers opportunities for individuals and communities to advocate for the environment, including a recommended reading list for teaching children about the environment.
www.epa.ohio.gov
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Conserving shared sources of water should be considered a daily responsibility for all people. How you treat your waste affects the land and water around you. Check what the rules are for recycling in your neighborhood.
ssmrca.ca
Stay Informed and Inspire Others
The most important thing you can do is to keep up to date on the environment. What is happening in your community and the world at large and how can you be a part of building a better future? Take action with us this month and encourage a friend to join!
wateruseitwisely.com
The creek is calling.