Outdoor Enthusiasts

If you love to hike, bike, swim, birdwatch, or engage in any other outdoor activity, water quality is crucial to making those experiences unforgettable.

That's why it's important to take action to protect our waterways. By keeping our rivers, lakes, and streams clean, we can ensure that future generations can experience the same beauty that we do today.

Clean water also supports a healthy ecosystem and the wildlife that call our waters home. Let's work together to preserve the natural beauty that we love so much and ensure that it remains a part of our lives for generations to come.

Tips for Outdoor Enthusiasts:

• If it Doesn’t Belong, Pick it Up! - Trash and pollution in water is dangerous for people and wildlife. It can be ingested by animals and disrupt the flow of natural water bodies. Plastic trash can also get broken up into tiny pieces and end up remaining in drinking water as microplastic. When enjoying nature, be on the lookout for what doesn’t belong there. Any trash or debris left behind by people should be removed and disposed of properly. This includes trash in the street, which can be swept down the storm drain and deposited in our creeks and streams.
• If it Does Belong, Leave it There! - When enjoying nature, it is tempting to take a piece with you. However, this can result in damage to the ecosystem. One plant may not seem like much, but what if everyone took one plant? Would there be any left? It’s always better to leave nature where it is so that all organisms, including other people, can benefit from it. Take a picture instead!
• Be on the Lookout for Invasive Species - Invasive species are species that grow and reproduce quickly and inhabit an area they are not native to. Typically, these species are also doing harm to that area in some way. Always be careful to clean any equipment such as boats and fishing gear to prevent the spread of plant seeds and small organisms. If you spot one of these species in or around the Schuylkill River, remove it and/or report it to the park’s wildlife service. Only remove the species if you are SURE that it is invasive!
• Become a Steward - Advocate for nature by helping to educate others. Spread knowledge to friends and fellow outdoor enthusiasts about practices that enhance water quality and conservation. Clean water is something that all people, now and in the future, should be able to enjoy and education is critical for protecting water for everyone to use!
• Volunteer - All throughout the Schuylkill River Watershed, there are organizations that focus on protecting the environment and the river. Many of these groups need volunteers to help with cleanups, planting, and other projects throughout the year. Become a member or volunteer and donate your time to the cause. Check out the SAN Volunteer Board for upcoming opportunities!

Resources for Outdoor Enthusiasts

• SAN Watershed Map
• Schuylkill River Trail
• Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area
• Philly CSOCast (in general, you should wait 24-48 hours after rain to interact with the river)