While it might be tempting to clean your vehicle at home, this is a form of storm water pollution as it can release hydrocarbons and heavy metals into local waterways. Instead, go to a car wash which is designed to recycle and treat wash water. #WatershedWednesday

Gardening season is almost upon us! Make sure to read and follow all instructions on yard chemicals or, better yet, go Yard Smart! Use compost as fertilizer, milky spores to help with Japanese beetles, and Bacillus thuringiensis to combat mosquitos. Learn more at YardSmart.org #WatershedWednesday

Missed the EAC's presentation at Home Lawn and Garden Day? No worries! Learn about the benefits of rain gardens anytime by calling 309-454-3169, stopping by to see our own demonstration rain garden, or visiting mCLEANwater.org. #WatershedWednesday

Dog poop is a form of storm water poo-llution as it introduces pathogens like E. coli into your water making it dangerous for recreational activities. Instead scoop the poop! #WatershedWednesday

Water cycle drawing including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection

Did you know the EAC goes to 3rd grade classrooms in McLean County to teach kids about the water cycle, storm water runoff pollution, and to emphasize the importance of keeping our water clean?! When was the last time YOU had a lesson on the water cycle? #WatershedWednesday

Bee atop of cone flower

Winter is a great time to start planning your spring garden! Comment or post a picture of your favorite Illinois native plant in the comments. Check this one by Executive Director Michael Brown! #WatershedWednesday

Wanting to learn more about rain gardens? Then sign up to attend the EAC's presentation at Home, Lawn, and Garden Day hosted by the U of I Extension on March 7. Register for the event at extension.illinois.edu/events/2026-... #WatershedWednesday

Pop quiz! Can you name three invasive plant species that can be found in McLean County in the comments below? Hint: This image (provided by the U of I Extension) is of a common highly invasive plant. #WatershedWednesday

Salt Smart Collaborative Infographic which reads "A 12 ounce cup of salt is enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares."

There are still ways to sustainably clear your driveway with road salt. First, put your salt into a smaller container like a coffee cup instead of pouring directly from the bag. This helps prevent over-application. Learn more winter salting tips and tricks at mCLEANwater.org #WatershedWednesday

a broom, shovel, snowblower, and scraper with faces on them saying "Don't worry-we can help!"

Looking to minimize your environmental footprint this winter? Consider breaking out the snow shovel and clearing your driveway the old-fashioned way! Doing this lowers the total amount of road salt that enters our waterways and doubles as a winter workout! #WatershedWednesday

Infographic describing where you should salt reads " Where should you salt? First, remove as much snow and ice by shoveling, snow blowing, or scraping. Then, apply salt on icy patches and pathways where people often walk. Apply salt on areas where it tends to be icy and slippery. Apply salt on icy areas where your family and visitors often walk. There's no need to put down salt where people never walk."

This winter only salt where necessary as excess chloride from road salt can infiltrate water systems and impact drinking water. Once snow melts, road salt travels through storm drains which lead to local waterways like Sugar Creek. Learn more at mCLEANwater.org #WatershedWednesday

winter forest scene covered in light dusting of snow

A good hike is a great way to unwind after the holidays, and start the New Year feeling refreshed! Fortunately, McLean County is full of beautiful natural spaces! Get outside this weekend and explore our greenways! mcplan.org/greenways/ex... #WatershedWednesday

Head of a crane taken by a wildlife trail camera

squirrel running on ice

Close up of a racoon's eye

Duck taking off from the water

Did you know that for the last couple of years the EAC has been monitoring our stream corridors to show that no mow tactics are beneficial for local wildlife? Check out some of our favorite pictures from over the years as we bring this program to a close. #WatershedWednesday #WildlifeWednesday

As we continue celebrating the Klamath’s recovery, we also lift up the tributaries that make the whole watershed work, and the work that still needs to be done. The Sprague River is a vital piece of that story. Its health directly shapes the future of salmon.

#WatershedWednesday

Rain barrel with a concrete block on top

ATTENTION RAIN BARREL OWNERS! Have you prepped your barrels for winter? Be sure to disconnect and empty them before freezing temps—leftover water can crack the barrel. Make sure to leave the spigot open and store indoors or outside upside down with something heavy on top. #WatershedWednesday

For the month of November we are going through pros and cons of different fall leaf management techniques. Option 4: Mulch your leaves. Mulching leaves makes your yard look tidy. However, if you are using a gas mower you are increasing your carbon footprint. #WatershedWednesday

For the month of November we are going through pros and cons of different fall leaf management techniques. Option 3: Leaf them be. Leaving leaves where they fall provides habitats for pollinators. Just watch out as leaves piled on too thick can smoother out plants. #WatershedWednesday

For the month of November we are going through pros and cons of different fall leaf management techniques. Option 2: Compost your leaves. Composting turns yard waste into soil but does take some time and regular attention to keep it going. #WatershedWednesday

Raking leaves pro and con list graphic. Pros: · Your yard looks neat and ready for a magazine cover (or at least the HOA newsletter). · Free workout! Who needs a gym when you’ve got a rake and a yard full of leaves? · You’re making full use of those tax dollars that fund leaf pickup. Cons: · Your plants and soil aren’t cheering—raking removes a natural blanket that protects roots and feeds the plants. · Raking to the street (instead of the curb) is not just frowned upon—it’s illegal and can cause street flooding when leaves clog storm drains. · Leaves in the street eventually become stormwater pollutants. As they decay, they deplete oxygen in waterways, suffocating fish and plants, and can contribute to algal blooms that affect water quality and can create unpleasant flavors in our water--yeech!

For the month of November we are going through pros and cons of different fall leaf management techniques. Option 1: Rake your leaves to the curb. While a great option for leaving a tidy looking yard, raking leaves removes a natural protection for plants. #WatershedWednesday

Dead coneflowers covered in snow

Let the dead flowers on your plants hang out this fall and winter. Insects overwinter in the stems of some plants, and birds enjoy flower seeds. Plus - we happen to think snow covered dried up flowers look pretty and whimsical! #YardSmart #WatershedWednesday

Map of watersheds in McLean County

Did you know there are 4 different watershed within McLean County? The Mackinaw, Salt, Upper Sangamon, and Vermillion. These watersheds provide drinking water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and much more! Learn more about our watersheds at mCLEANwater.org #WatershedWednesday

The oversupply of nitrogen discharged into our waterways is one of the most prevalent forms of water pollution. Check out our tips on how to be more #YardSmart to reduce reliance on lawn/garden chemicals at yardsmart.org or get a group of friends together to storm drain stencil! #WatershedWednesday

Leaves on top of water

Now that we have had our first chill of the season, remember to keep those storm drains clean so leaves don’t get clogged in the drains and pollute our water ways. Join the EAC for storm stenciling throughout McLean county! To volunteer visit ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering #WatershedWednesday

Rain garden at Davis Lodge on Lake Bloomington

Rain Gardens are a natural solution to keep rain where it falls in your yard, preventing storm water runoff pollution. Rain gardens filter out pollutants, recharge groundwater, reduce stormwater flow, and are a beautiful addition to any yard. Learn more at YardSmart.org  #WatershedWednesday

A rain barrel near the Ecology Action Center's backdoor.

This #WatershedWednesday we want to hear from you! With utility prices on the rise, what methods do you use at home to help conserve water and/or protect our watershed from storm runoff pollution?

The Uptown Normal roundabout is a public green space that incorporates storm water management into its design. It captures and stores runoff from the streets and recycles it through a water feature! Learn more at mcleanwater.org?page_id=315 #WatershedWednesday

Our storm drain stenciling project is a great volunteer opportunity to learn about individual impacts on water quality. Sign up for one of our already scheduled event like stenciling on August 27 from 4:00-6:00pm. Sign up at ecologyactioncenter.org/volunteering #WatershedWednesday

Dropped an ice cube on the floor? Don’t toss it in the sink—drop it into a plant pot instead! Waiting for your shower to heat up? Place a bucket underneath and collect that water—it’s perfect for watering your garden. Every drop counts. Let’s all work to reduce our water usage! #WatershedWednesday

Jealous of all the beautiful native flowers in bloom? Wish you could have them in your front yard? Now is a great time to start planning out your #YardSmart native garden as fall is the best time to plant native seeds! Learn more at YardSmart.org #WatershedWednesday

River basin map of Europe by Grasshopper Geography. All permanent and temporary water flows mapped in detail. Rainbow colours help distinguish between different catchment areas. Isolated on black with the Grasshopper Geography logo in the bottom right corner.

Wednesday is MapDay! 🗺️
#MapsReimagined #WatershedWednesday

Robert's been quite busy over the last few months reviewing and updating all our maps. If new, better data is available, he uses it and adjusts the colours where necessary.

This is the latest version of the river basin map of Europe.