“Clean water does not start in the river; it starts with good practices on land,” says Kevin Haight, president of the Two Rivers Coalition. Since 2009, this volunteer organization has focused on protecting the Black River and Pawpaw River Watersheds, which span across multiple counties in Southwest Michigan. Studying the health of our fresh water sources has grown into the creation of multiple projects that focus on educating and informing the public, as well as hands-on learning.
For the past seven years, the Two Rivers Coalition has been carrying out macroinvertebrate sampling, which is the study of water health and quality based on the assessment of the species found inhabiting it. The study allows the coalition to adjust the environment in which the species live and enhance the habitat by maintaining and improving its health. This program is open to the public, where anyone can watch and learn while they collect the samples. In 2016, E.Coli testing was added to their list of projects, which is “just as important, but not as fun,” Kevin jokes. DNA testing for E.Coli was added this year, allowing private waters to be tested, as the health department tests public beaches. This testing focuses on how humans and our practices on land affect the health of our waterways. “It’s not just about cleaning the water, it’s about creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems around it”.
The Paw Paw River Water Trail is a sixty-six mile path that stretches from Paw Paw to Benton Harbor, and with collaboration between 17 surrounding communities and organizations, Two Rivers Coalition has been able to facilitate in cleaning the waters, clearing pathways, and posting appropriate signage along the route. It is their hope to convert paddlers into river stewards, spreading their mission and further improving our waters. One of the group’s most popular attractions is their Paddle With A Naturalist event, which is a series that occurs multiple times per year during warm weather. This is a joint event designed to educate participants about water health, water quality, local wildlife, and native and invasive plants.
Two Rivers Coalition events are open to the public, and this year their annual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 1st at the Van Buren Conference Center in Lawrence at 6:30pm, masks required.
This meeting will include a showing of the documentary “Then, Now, and Always — The St. Joseph River Story”, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and participants. Free native flower seed packets will be handed out to attendees, while supplies last, courtesy of Cardo Native Plant Nursery out of Walkerton, Indiana. There will also be table displays and information booths set up by local environmental groups, as well as refreshments. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can watch online beginning at 7pm, and the link to attend virtually can be found on their website. To become further involved, you can join their newsletter for events, Like their Facebook page, watch their meetings virtually, volunteer for river clean-ups, and donate to their cause. Become a member of the Two Rivers Coalition here.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
