While this is a unique and powerful partnership, you might be wondering, well what does this have to do with our rivers? The Marathon runners cross the Ottawa River and other tributaries several times throughout the course. They will also rely on drinking water to keep them hydrated over 26.2 miles.  The volunteers that sweep the course after the race are helping the rivers by removing debris before it reaches the nearest storm drain or waterway. Water is inherently connected to this race, and we hope that our involvement and partnership will draw attention to that.

This year’s race is on Sunday, April 23rd, the day after Earth Day. How fitting! Whether you are running the race, cheering from the sidelines, or watching news coverage at home, you have the opportunity to support our efforts at the Marathon and beyond. As a charity partner, runners, spectators, and the general public are able to make a donation to PCS through the Marathon. This money will not only support our work that day to reduce the environmental footprint of the race, but it will also support our work to protect and preserve our local waterways. Our programs, outreach, partnerships, and projects all revolve around our mission, which is to strive for rivers, streams, and lakes that are clean, clear, and safe. To donate as a part of the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon, click here.  

During the Workshop, participants practiced storm drain stenciling, learned about storm water runoff and sources of nutrients, and explored how water is treated so it is safe for us to drink. This year’s Workshop also celebrated Toledo Rain Garden Initiative’s 10th Anniversary by painting rain barrels. Participants painted the different aspects of the water system, including soil, plants, animals, the atmosphere, and the water itself. These very colorful rain barrels will eventually be featured at our Clean Your Streams Day Appreciation Picnic in September.  

Everyone, parents and kids alike, appreciated the hands-on aspects of the Workshop, and our newest station, EnviroPaint, where they painted on rain barrels. Other favorites included Lake in a Bag, where youth simulated the growth of lake algae, and Walk on Water, where they got to walk along the Ottawa River on UT’s campus. Participants were also very fond of our other stations, Drain Away, Waste In-Waste Out, and Down on the Pond.  All six stations were very successful in teaching the youth participants about stormwater runoff, the nutrients in our water and how they get there, water conservation, our local rivers, and everyday practices that can help protect our waterways. We, as PCS, would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated and especially, those involved in the planning process. These individuals include Andrea Beard, Jamie Kochensparger, Cheryl Rice, Patrick Lawrence, Richard Kroeger, Cherie Blair, Emily Denlinger, Jessica Wilbarger, and Lauren Rush. We also would like to thank the Toledo ZooTeens for volunteering with us at Patch Day. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Workshop! Check out pictures from this year’s Workshop by clicking here!