WEST JEFFERSON, Ohio - Ohio is home to 15 Scenic Rivers with little pollution and a wide variety of rare and endagenered species.

 

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources partners with the Columbus Metro Parks to perserve our state's Scenic Rivers

  • The groups pick prairie seeds that will be planted along rivers, providing protection and support for the ecosystem

  • If you'd like to volunteer, contact your local division of ODNR

 

In an effort to protect these waterways, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Natural Areas and Preserves partnered with Columbus Metro Parks.

The agencies work with volunteers to enhance the ecosystems these rivers are a part of through a variety of ways.

 

 

 

One way they do this is by picking prairie seeds from Prairie Oaks Metro Park and planting them along the Big and Little Darby Creeks.

Heather Doherty manages the Scenic Rivers for Central Ohio.

"You can't really separate the health of the river from the land that's next to it. Having that land be neutral helps filter pollution. It helps keep the water cool and high in oxygen, something that our sensitive species need," Doherty said.

She said the prairie grass that wll grow along the river will allow water to seep into the ground and reduce flash flooding. She said it will alsohelp make sure there is adequate flow within the river during dry periods of the year.

"We want people to be proud of our natural heritage in Ohio. There's a lot of hidden beauty to be discovered and we're excited to partner with Metro Parks and the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to protect these spaces and share them with Ohioans," she said.

If you'd like to volunteer be sure to contact the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.