With summer in full swing and temperatures hitting the 90’s, now is the time of year when the water starts calling. Miami County is the fortunate site of numerous waterways, with the Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail boasting 291 miles of rivers and streams throughout Miami and neighboring counties. These provide ample opportunities for wonderfully scenic kayaking and canoeing, world-class fishing, and fine bird watching.

Unfortunately not everyone appreciates such enviable natural gifts as we are blessed with here, as evidenced in the detrimental problem of pollution. Trash that is not disposed of properly is an eyesore and nuisance to boaters, fishers, and hikers, and causes serious harm to the environment and its wildlife. But no gesture is too small in helping overcome this issue!

When you’re outdoors enjoying our lovely waterways this summer, you can easily do your part by making sure you dispose of garbage where it belongs. Learn the correct ways to dispose of household cleaners, chemicals, medications, fertilizers, pesticides, automotive fluids, oils, and fats. Conserve water in the home. Even picking up litter that others have left behind is very helpful, and your fellow admirers of our local Ohio riverways will thank you!