In this season for giving thanks, Reconnecting to Our Waterways (ROW) is grateful for those giving of their time, talent, and treasure to the exciting efforts along Indy’s waterways. All of the six local waterways in ROW’s focus areas are important community assets because of the dedication of resident volunteers and partner organizations. The projects highlighted below are just three examples of dozens that are bringing people, partners, and other community resources together with waterways to improve the health of these vital ecosystems and create opportunities for a better Indianapolis.
Pogue’s Run Waterway, a partnership among Cummins, Indy Parks, Lilly, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
Indy Do Day is an annual event consisting of multiple days of service organized by ordinary people to improve their neighborhoods. On September 27th, Indy Parks and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful facilitated improvements along a long stretch of Pogue’s Run Waterway, from Spades Park to Brookside Park. Corporate partner, Cummins, contributed both people power and funding, along with Lilly volunteers, to improve the landscape. They removed invasive plant species, planted native species in their place, and even built a bee motel to encourage these vital pollinators. This work is important to encourage healthy habitats for wildlife and build natural infrastructure for water quality improvements.
White River Waterway, a partnership among The daVinci Pursuit, Artist Patrick Mack, and the Urban Wilderness Trail
When walking along the Urban Wilderness Trail, which stretches four miles, from the east side of the White River to the south side of Fall Creek one finds not only monarch butterflies, cliff swallows, and other important species. There are also representational sculptures of them created by local artist Patrick Mack, installed on September 7th. In addition to these striking sculptures, educational signs created by local non-profit The daVinci Pursuit detail exactly how these species contribute to a healthy environment along the White River. Another partner, Indiana Wildlife Federation has led volunteers to install native trees and plants. Working together, ROW’s collective of organizations and dedicated residents has created a lasting and enriching project.
All Waterways, White River Alliance and IUPUI’s Center for Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES)
Small actions add up to big, positive impacts. That is why ROW celebrates White River Alliance and CEES’s Clear Choices Clean Water campaign for encouraging everyone to make both big and small changes in their own homes and backyards. The Clear Choices Clean Water campaign, which began in 2010, focuses on four key areas: tree stewardship, conservation, waterfowl management, and native plants and pollinators. Simple changes like shutting off water while brushing teeth to more dedicated activities like adopting a storm drain in the neighborhood combine to make an impact. Thank you to White River Alliance and IUPUI for bringing awareness to these important actions and to all those who have taken the step to contribute to the health of the White River and its tributaries. Take your pledge today at indiana.clearchoicescleanwater.org.
What You Can Do This Month
These and many other efforts along Indy’s waterways are possible because of the passion and contribution of many organizations, volunteers, and resources brought together for a common goal. Community members can get involved in ROW by joining a Waterway Committee, becoming a resource through an Element Committee, or being a supporter of any one of the many partner organizations that are part of the ROW collective.
ROW also encourages the community to just get out and experience Indy’s waterways first hand. On Black Friday, November 23rd, participate in Opt Outside, originally organized by Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI). This event encourages people to experience nature rather than long lines at the checkout. This is an opportunity to take a break and explore seasonal changes with your loved ones along a neighborhood waterway. More people getting outdoors along the waterways cultivates a connection that encourages a culture shift toward care of Indy’s vital water resources.
And, those who are feeling extra grateful for all the organizations making important contributions and improvements along Indy’s waterways might consider making a financial contribution on Giving Tuesday, November 27th. Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season and is a perfect time to help many of ROW’s partner organizations, including those mentioned above, continue their important work.