FLOW volunteers annually monitor the stream water quality of selected Olentangy River tributaries. Volunteer teams measure physical, chemical and biological attributes, including the presence of various “macroinvertebrates “, (insects and other small animals that indicate the level of water pollution). Training sessions are held in May, with testing starting June 15 through September. Please contact FLOW if you’re interested in joining us!
How to plant a container tree
How to plant a bare root tree seedling (step by step print instructions) | (video)
EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED – new video tells FLOW’s story
Thanks to a very generous gift from one of our supporters, FLOW would like to share this video of the Olentangy Watershed and what we can accomplish if we all work together to improve our greenspaces. There is a lot of pressure on our waterways but we can combat impacts if we work in the spaces we control to reduce our 40% turf grass, remove invasive species, plant native herbaceous and woody species and clean up litter. To learn more about what you can do, please see our Greenspace Implementation report.
Monofilament Recycling Boxes
Monofilament Recycling Boxes FLOW is installing dedicated boxes for recycling monofilament along waterways in the watershed. Monofilament can have serious negative environmental consequences if not recycled properly. It cannot be recycled along with other household...
The Olentangy Gap Trail Alignment 2 has been selected by Columbus Recreation and Parks
The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has picked Alignment 2 for the Olentangy Trail "Gap" between Clinton Como Park and Northmoor Park. Per our Capstone Team's assessment, this was the least environmentally impactful alignment. We will be losing...
Wildlife Habitat Creation for a Healthier Watershed
This is a section of a five-part series produced by FLOW to educate residents about backyard conservation. In the past thirty years, there has been a 90% increase in urban development in Ohio. This pattern is continuing - in the next thirty years, the Olentangy...
Reducing Pollution for a Healthier Watershed
This is a section of a five-part series produced by FLOW to educate residents about backyard conservation. When you imagine water pollution, what do you see? Factories pumping out sludge into rivers? A plastic island? Giant fishing boats throwing their nets...
Reducing Stormwater Runoff for a Healthier Watershed
This is a section of a five-part series produced by FLOW to educate residents about backyard conservation. Seemingly inconspicuous, stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats facing waterways. Accounting for an estimated 70% of all water pollution, stormwater...
Composting for a Healthier Watershed
This is a section of a five-part series produced by FLOW to educate residents about backyard conservation. The farm-to-table food stream often ends up flowing to a landfill. 40% of food in the United States is never eaten. In 2010, $161 billion worth of food was...
Lawn Care for a Healthier Watershed
This is a section of a five-part series produced by FLOW to educate residents about backyard conservation. Lawn is pervasive in the American landscape. There are an estimated 40 million acres of lawns across the country, making “lawn” the largest irrigated crop in...
Plant some late blooming “secret flowers”
Join SER (Society for Ecological Restoration) to search for secret flowers! Late-blooming flowering plants like asters, goldenrods, bonesets, and white snakeroot are hiding in your yard and other places around the city. They look like "weeds" all summer, but in the...
Neonics: What They Are and Why You Should Avoid Them
Neonicotiniods, also referred to as neonics, were developed in the 1980s and soon became the most used insecticide in the world. Their popularity spread in part because manufacturers advertised them as “safer” insecticides. By some definitions, this is true. Neonics...
