How to Clean a Creek
Those who live near creeks or rivers have an important role play to clean a creek. We can help protect our local waterways by keeping yard waste away from streams and preventing invasive weeds from spreading.
We can also plant trees to reduce erosion and provide shade for wildlife habitats. And, we can learn to recognize and report pollution to appropriate agencies to clean a creek.
Rake up Leaves To Clean A Creek
Simple raking is the most cost-effective method of clearing leaves, but it can be hard on your hands and back. Wear gloves and tennis shoes if possible. A leaf vacuum or blower is a more efficient way to remove large volumes of leaves at once, but may require expensive equipment and a permit to operate in certain areas. If you do not have access to either of these, a metal rake can be used to clear away leaves without disturbing rocks and gravel. Don’t leave piles of leaves on the curb for trash pickup.
Don’t Damming the Creek
If you have a creek running through your property, it’s important to look after it. Not only does a well-managed creek help drain stormwater, reducing the chances of flooding and soil erosion, it also gives wildlife a place to live. Even the smallest streams can provide habitat for native fish.
Erosion can be a major problem for creeks, washing away tree roots and exposing the foundations of sheds, fences and houses built nearby. You can help reduce erosion by planting your creek banks with reeds, sedges and shrubs.
If you want to change the way that a creek flows through your land, such as adding a footbridge or removing weeds, you will need a permit. This is usually obtained from your local natural resources center or a district officer. They can give you advice on what you need to do and where to apply.
Keep the Water Clean
Clean a creek is not only good for the wildlife that lives there but also helps drain storm water, reduce soil erosion and provide habitat for fish and other species. If you live near a creek, take responsibility for looking after it and encourage neighbors to do the same. This can be done in a number of ways, including cleaning up rubbish, removing old cars and other equipment and planting trees to manage runoff and water flow.
Clean a creek should always start with a safety meeting, where everyone in the group is briefed on what they will be doing and what hazards they may encounter. Make sure a first aid kit is on hand and that one of the participants has basic first aid training, or is a medical professional. If possible, a leader and sweep should be appointed to guide the cleanup. The lead should be more experienced and know the area.
Chemical pesticides and fertilizers wash down into local creeks, rivers and lakes and can cause dangerous algae blooms. Avoid using them or try organic alternatives. The same goes for other household chemicals, such as car and engine fluids. Never pour them down a storm drain, gutter or drainage ditch.
Plant Trees
Trees are vital to the health of a creek and the watershed. They provide shade, slow the flow of rainwater and help filter pollutants from the water. They also help reduce flooding and erosion along the clean a creek and river banks by soaking up stormwater in their roots.
During a rainstorm, the leaves of a tree begin to transpire (or evaporate) through openings in the leaf called stomates. This creates negative pressure in the leaf’s xylem system, which draws water from the soil and pushes it back up through the leaves. As the process continues, the tree is able to soak up and store excess rainwater to use in dry periods. This is a critical function in our changing climate, when severe weather events can cause flash floods and landslides.
By absorbing water and reducing flooding, trees protect the homes of people, animals and plants. In addition, they provide valuable habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. They are also a natural way to reduce energy costs.
Planting trees takes a team effort and everyone can help. Volunteers are encouraged to wear boots or closed-toe shoes, and bring work gloves, sunscreen and a hat. A bag lunch is provided. Planting events are “rain or shine” events, although in the event of dangerous weather, the event will be rescheduled.