Partners for Clean Streams recently partnered with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for a hands-on cleanup along the Maumee River. Three PCS members and two ODNR employees teamed up for a morning of kayaking, exploring, and giving back to one of our local waterways.
The group paddled by kayak to Girty’s Island, enjoying a unique perspective of the river while keeping an eye out for litter and other debris along the riverbank. Among the more unusual finds were a porch duck and a windshield wiper linkage—a reminder that you never quite know what you’ll discover during a river cleanup!
Events like this demonstrate the value of partnerships between organizations that share a commitment to protecting Ohio’s waterways. By combining the knowledge, resources, and enthusiasm of PCS and ODNR, even small cleanup efforts can make a meaningful difference while bringing people closer to the rivers they work to protect.
Kayaking to Girty’s Island provided an opportunity to experience the Maumee River from a different perspective. Getting out on the water allows volunteers to see firsthand the importance of keeping our waterways clean and encourages continued stewardship of these valuable natural resources.
Partners for Clean Streams is grateful to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for joining us on the river and helping make this cleanup possible. We look forward to continuing to build partnerships and create opportunities for volunteers and conservation organizations to work together for cleaner, healthier streams and rivers throughout our region.