Trash and debris in streams and along shorelines is not only unsightly, but can also be harmful to fish and wildlife. Since low-lying areas like stream banks are natural collecting places for debris carried by wind and water from neighborhoods, parking lots and other public areas, the problems won’t likely ever be completely eliminated.

A first and important step toward any river or stream restoration is the removal of trash and debris from the waterway and its riparian buffer.  Spring is a great time to begin planning an organization, community, or watershed group clean-up.  Each year, groups across the nation pull many hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash out of local rivers and stream.

These stream cleanups often introduce volunteers to local rivers and streams. Many groups then go on to monitor water quality, restore habitat, and organize public support for taking care of these waterways.

THI has done this for many years in several communities.  To learn more or receive our tips for organizing a successful StreamTeam clean-up email us.