On Sunday August 2nd, 48 passengers joined Partners for Clean Streams and Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District for a fun and educational afternoon on the Sandpiper. On this expedition along the Mighty Maumee, residents of the greater Toledo area learned various facts about the river including economic importance, water treatment, water conservation, agricultural influence and resulting water quality issues. This day also marked the one year anniversary of the Water Crisis and while we discussed the issues related to algal blooms, this cruise acted as a more broad educational opportunity for Toledo residents to learn more about water quality challenges and solutions and what they can do, personally, to Give Water A Hand. There were a variety of water quality professionals along for the ride, allowing different perspectives on the water quality issues in the greater Toledo area.
Passengers enjoyed trivia about Lake Erie and participated in educational activities while enjoying plenty of sunshine along the way. After the boat cruise, passengers stuck around to examine the water test results, taken straight from the Maumee River. They were able to see the results and discuss the impacts from the measurements of turbidity, nutrient readings and more. This special event received coverage on 13 ABC along with a great article published in the Toledo Blade. We have received many compliments and were even asked to have another cruise like it next year. PCS would like to thank everybody who participated. If you couldn’t make it, check out our photo album here!