A year-end message from the president

by | Dec 6, 2022 | Backyard Conservation, Invasive Species, News, Pollinators, Recreation, Volunteers, Water Resources, Wildlife

As the year is ending we have been reflecting on what an amazing year 2022 has been. Together we have done so much to help the Lower Olentangy watershed. Over 3,384 volunteer hours have been spent cleaning up trash, planting trees, maintaining pollinator gardens, monitoring the tributaries of the Olentangy River, removing honeysuckle and other invasive plants and so much more. We couldn’t do this work without your time and financial support. Thank you!!!

Thank you for reading this special letter from FLOW Board President, Kelly Thiel:

This fall, on a beautiful afternoon, I took a walk along the Olentangy trail just south of Henderson Road. What used to be open grassy fields next to Whetstone High School is now planted with a row of native trees, ready to provide years of shade to trail users and an improved ecosystem for the area. This successful project is just one of many that FLOW made possible this year. Our grant writers are always on the lookout for opportunities to bring dollars to our communities and improve the watershed for all of its inhabitants. These trees were obtained through a grant FLOW received and planted by FLOW volunteers. Our hope is that everyone who passes by these trees benefits from their proven ability to clean the air, improve the soil, increase wildlife habitat, filter storm water and regulate the surrounding temperature.

In order to continue to make a difference we rely on the support of generous individuals and businesses in our community. If you have been to a FLOW event in the last couple of years then you are likely familiar with our fabulous event coordinator. With your support we can keep this position filled, keep our tools stored, and the lights on in our small office. We depend on our community recognizing the value of a healthy watershed to continue to fund the work we do.

In these days of increasing costs for everything from groceries to goods and services my family has been using the outdoors as free entertainment and a benefit to our mental health. It can be easy to take our green spaces for granted and ignore that Columbus is one of the fastest growing heat islands; increased development will put a strain on our streams and tributaries. FLOW remains focused on our mission to maintain the value of one of the community’s most precious assets–The Olentangy River. We need your help to continue this mission and meet the environmental challenges ahead.

If you have donated to FLOW in the past, THANK YOU! Our donors and volunteers make FLOW the great organization it is today. We hope that you’ll consider becoming a member of FLOW. You can give a one time gift or we hope you’ll consider giving as a monthly supporter. Your tax-deductible donation will help keep the Olentangy River safe, clean, and healthy for generations to enjoy in the decades to come. Visit the support page on this website for ways to donate.

 

 

 

 

 

Monofilament Recycling Boxes

by | May 6, 2021 | News, Recreation, Water Resources

Monofilament recycling containerMonofilament 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 plastics. Read on to learn why and how you should recycle monofilament.

What is monofilament?
This is the most common type of fishing line. As opposed to fishing line that is braided or made from multiple fibers, monofilament is made from a single strand. You have probably seen monofilament if you have ever gone fishing or been around fishermen. Unfortunately, if you like to walk by lakes or rivers, you have likely also seen discarded monofilament left along the banks.

What are the negative environmental impacts of monofilament?
It is not difficult to imagine how helpless wildlife can be against long durable plastic strings. When monofilament is left out in nature, fish, birds, and mammals can easily get entangled in it. It is thin and often clear, so it is difficult to see. Once an animal comes in contact with monofilament, survival can become difficult.

When monofilament wraps around a limb, it can impede walking or flying, or cause amputation. If the monofilament affects the animal’s ability to catch food or eat, the animal will likely die of starvation. Drowning, strangulation, and other serious injuries are also possible. Sometimes monofilament is accidentally ingested. Depending on the amount, the animals might not be able to pass through their digestive systems.

What is the proper way to recycle monofilament?
The only safe way to discard monofilament is to drop it in dedicated recycling boxes in parks or at participating tackle shops. The lines in these boxes are taken to special plants that have the capacity to recycle monofilament. Note that you should not put any braided or multi-string line in these boxes.

Monofilament cannot be recycled along with other household plastics. Due to its high-density, it requires a special recycling process.

Disposing of monofilament in a regular garbage bin does not solve the problem either. Wind can blow monofilament out of trash cans. In landfills, birds and scavengers looking for nest materials can pick it up. Monofilament is non-biodegradable and can last thousands of years, so it is important to make sure that it does not get into landfills to begin with.

What else can you do to help?
Here are some things you can do to keep monofilament away from wildlife.

If you like to go fishing, make sure to do the following:

1) Cast your line away from trees and other areas where it may get caught.

2) Check your line often to avoid unexpected breaks.

3) Never leave your line unattended.

4) Discard old monofilament line in proper boxes. 

5) Remove hooks from the monofilament line before recycling.

When you come across discarded monofilament in the parks – please pick it up and recycle it properly later. If you are eager to help even more – join a volunteer group to pick up monofilament along rivers and lakes.

Thank you for keeping our watershed safe for all!

Written by Sonya Afanasyeva 

 

The Olentangy Gap Trail Alignment 2 has been selected by Columbus Recreation and Parks

by | May 5, 2021 | News, Recreation

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 trees and have more impervious surface in our 100 year floodplain (approximately 1.5 acres). No Stormwater Mitigation will be done on site unfortunately.

For details on the project (including public comments, all alternatives presented, and more) visit the Columbus Recreation & Parks site here.

A capstone team analyzed the 5 alternative plans for environmental and safety impacts and choose Alternative 2 as the most favorable of the 5. Their draft report can be read here: First Draft of Olentangy Trail Gap Assessment Report

Where and How to Fish the Olentangy River

by | Apr 7, 2018 | Recreation

Fishing the Olentangy Slides

Central Ohio native Michael Merz has been fishing since he was 8 years old. His mantra is “Think globally, fish locally!” A former officer of Ohio Smallmouth Alliance, Michael is a Wastewater Pretreatment Specialist for Columbus, where he performs Ohio EPA Stormwater and Wastewater compliance inspections within the city.
On April 2 Michael discussed where, how and why everyone in Columbus should fish the lower Olentangy River. The link above shows the slides Michael used. The topics include locating fish, “gradient controls”, dam removal projects and habitat improvement efforts, available species and distribution, inexpensive tackle setups and fishing from canoes/kayaks.

The Olentangy River through the Lens of George Anderson

by | Feb 14, 2016 | News, Recreation

Long time FLOW member and professional photographer George Anderson has been canoeing and photographing the Olentangy River for some time now. Come join FLOW as he shares his unique view of our river and some of the amazing wildlife that call it home. Be ready to enjoy some wonderful “eye candy” and surprising perspectives of a river most people never see.

We will have a RAFFLE for FLOW t-shirts, a COMPOSTER, and a few other prizes, and we would love for you to participate!

Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

When and Where:
Monday, March 7
7:15 PM – 8:30 PM
Veritas Community Church
345 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43201