A group of mallard ducks swims near a snowy edge on a tranquil, reflective water surface.

Protect aquatic life! Chemicals from our yards can harm fish and wildlife. Choose organic gardening methods and help keep our waterways clean! Learn how @ YardSmart.org! #watershedwednesdays

Four blue rain barrels connected to a house, capturing rainwater, with hoses and valves for easy water access. Positioned on concrete blocks.

Rain barrels can be a water, energy, and money saving alternative to using the hose or faucet to water your plants. Collecting rainwater in a barrel or bin to use during dry seasons can limit your water consumption and decrease your water bill! For more visit buff.ly/3Qv2VjQ #watershedwednesdays

A stencil-painted message on concrete reads "DUMP NO WASTE → DRAINS TO RIVERS" in yellow capital letters, with an arrow shaped like a fish pointing to the right. The surrounding pavement is cracked and weathered, emphasizing the importance of keeping pollutants out of storm drains to protect waterways.

Storm drains aren’t trash cans! Help us educate the community on the importance stormwater runoff pollution by spreading the word through our stenciling program! Sign up to be added to the EAC volunteer list and receive notification of upcoming opportunities @ buff.ly/4ki8OP1 #watershedwednesdays

A young girl with braided hair runs with her arms outstretched, smiling during an outdoor sack race. Behind her, another child and their father are engaged in the activity in front of a blue house with a porch, surrounded by greenery.

Families, let’s protect our water! Skip the pesticides and choose kid-, pet-, and wildlife-friendly native plants for a Yard Smart lawn. A list of these natives can be found at buff.ly/4gXYOHK . Safe for your family, safe for our streams! #watershedwednesdays

Spring has sprung! Having a wildlife friendly yard encourages a healthy and diverse wildlife population. Maintaining feeders, food, water, and places to take cover in your backyard brings a warm welcome to our friends! Get all the tips at YardSmart.org > Wildlife Habitat! #watershedwednesdays

Branch of common witchhazel with yellow, spidery flowers against a blurred forest background. Text reads: "Common Witchhazel, Hamamelis virginiana.

When deciding what to plant this season, keep in mind that your choices have a huge impact! Choosing native over invasive species not only helps maintain biodiversity, but even prevents runoff that can limit your water waste. Learn more about native plants: YardSmart.org #watershedwednesdays

Two women are assembling a blue rain barrel indoors, attaching a black hose to the spigot. Several other blue rain barrels are in the background. The setting is a workshop focused on sustainability and water conservation.

Rain barrels can be a great way to kickstart your water conservation habits by collecting rainwater for later use! You might have some questions about how to get started, but luckily the Ecology Action Center is here to help! Sign up here for our workshop here: buff.ly/3Qv2VjQ #watershedwednesdays

A yellow canoe with a red paddle rests on the water’s edge, surrounded by a layer of lily pads.

Did you know Evergreen Lake and Dawson Lake have kayaks and canoes available for rent? Summer may seem a far way away, but we can all dream about spend a few hours paddling around! It's a great way to get to know the McLean County watershed and see a lot of birds and turtles! #watershedwednesdays

A painted rain barrel with an illustration of the Morton Salt Girl holding an umbrella in the rain, with the phrase "when it rains it pours." The barrel is set up to collect rainwater.

Rainwater is a resource, not a waste! Install a rain barrel to capture runoff and water your plants naturally. For more on getting a rain barrel or upcoming workshop opportunities next month, visit buff.ly/3ETEBWd .Smart for your yard & smart for the planet! #watershedwednesdays

An outdoor compost bin filled with food scraps, including tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens, set against a green background. The image demonstrates sustainable waste management.

Chemical fertilizers may make your lawn greener for a moment, but they often wash into nearby rivers and lakes, leading to harmful pollution. Choose compost and organic mulch to enrich your soil, improve plant health, and keep our waterways safe. Nature knows best! #watershedwednesdays

So I’m on my bullsh*t with #WatershedWednesdays and #FungiFridays, but what else should be playing with?

How about #TreeCropsTuesdays? Yes, I think that’s gonna be the next added to the list…

Hey y’all, it’s #WatershedWednesdays

WTF is a watershed you say?

A watershed, or catchment, is a spatial area where all water and precipation that falls within its bounds eventually drains and joins together in a single lake or river.

Everyone lives in a watershed.