· 10 Things You Can Do to Help Your Watershed
· A checklist of grassroots activity
· Get involved
· Glossary of terms
· How a watershed works

Ten Ways to Help Your Watershed

1. Use water wisely. Wasting it at the faucet drains our natural water supply

2. Dispose of household waste properly. Batteries and toxic chemicals create an environmental hazard when they go into the landfill with other household waste. Contact your local waste management authorities for proper handling of these materials.

3. Plant native plants along stream banks to help prevent erosion and invasion by harmful non-native species.

4. Avoid cutting trees or shrubs away from the stream bank, the root structures help to keep soil in place and the trees provide shade to help keep the water cool.

5. Keep your car properly maintained. Cars leak brake fluid, oil and antifreeze when they're not properly cared for, and that leakage eventually washes into streams. Also, let your car get a little dirty from time to time. Car-wash soap becomes a pollutant when it washes into a stream.

6. Limit the amount of salt you put on your walks and driveway during the winter months. Salt doesn't disappear; it is held in the soil and water and affects aquatic life.

7. Remember that some weeds and insects can actually be beneficial. Spraying large amounts of chemicals and overusing fertilizer can be more harmful than helpful in the long run.

8. Choose gravel or woodchips for your landscaping. Gravel allows water to seep into the ground where it is cooled and cleaned through natural processes.

9. Pick up trash along the stream bank. Chemicals found in the waste could leach into the water. Cans and bottles can be recycled for cash, and removing litter instills community pride.

10. Get involved! You can help protect watersheds in your own area. And by giving to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy you can support watershed conservation across the entire region.

A Checklist of Grassroots Activity

· Adopt environmentally-friendly practices in your home such as water conservation and composting. Have you ever considered starting your own garden?

· Volunteer your time to local environmental groups. If none exist, consider starting one of your own!

· Educate yourself about the issues that affect you and your environment.

· Speak up for conservation by contacting your state and federal representatives on issues that impact the environment.

· Speak out on important issues through channels such as your local media.

· Consider donating a conservation easement or a tax-deductible gift to WPC.

· Spread the word!

Get Involved

You can also get involved directly with WPC by checking out our volunteer opportunities.