Izaak Walton League of America

The last thing on my mind during February's unseasonably warm days was road salt – that is, until the League launched our Winter Salt Watch. It turns out that the threat to water quality from excess road salt is highest after the weather warms up! Full story

Rivers were a source of water, habitat, and transportation during the country’s beginnings, but expanding populations and land use decisions caused harmed. But that was in the past, and times are beginning to change. Full story

The Clean Water Challenge is more than a single event – it is a campaign to connect with community partners, cultivate new relationships, and strengthen our national network of community scientists and advocates. Full story

Our waters may not be as pristine as they once were, but the fish are always biting. Who do I have to thank for these bountiful fish populations? Well, in part I owe thanks to our founding Ikes. Full story

Something most people probably aren’t thinking about during these deep freezes is the threats posed to water quality and stream health. Every stream or river located near a roadway is at risk for chloride concentration increases due to road salts. Full story

Stream stewardship does not stop with cold weather! There are many ways you can monitor water health and help your community, including Winter Salt Watch and Stream Selfies! Full story

My very first volunteer stream monitoring experience was in the peak of winter with a group of extremely dedicated volunteers. How bad could it be? Famous last question! Full story

We haven’t found the perfect solution for reducing snow and ice on roadways while also protecting natural resources. However, several techniques reduce impacts on the environment and reuse materials that would otherwise go into landfills and water treatment plants. Full story

Stream monitoring is the perfect way to introduce children to outdoor exploration and environmental stewardship. And playing in a stream can exposure them to microbes or "germs" that can be vital to strengthening immune systems. Full story

The health of small streams such as Cabin Branch – and there are many such streams in the Potomac River watershed – have a large impact on the rivers into which they flow. That’s why it is important to test water quality in every stream. Full story