Complete report - Partners for Clean Streams

Maumee RAP awareness among community leaders.
Lead Organization:
TMACOG, Ohio EPA, Maumee RAP Public Education and Outreach Action Group
Walk for the World/March for Parks
1993-Present (annually)
Description:
Lead Organization:
Collaborator(s):
This walk and gathering is a local celebration of Earth Day to increase public
awareness of environmental issues. Citizens, organizations, businesses and schools
participate annually to raise funds for environmental causes. For several years, 100%
of the proceeds have been donated to the Maumee RAP. From 1993 –2000, the walk
took place in Bowling Green. In 2001 it was held in Grand Rapids and along the
Maumee River canal towpath.
Nature Reserve
Year 2000: Ohio EPA, Wood County Parks, Wood County Solid Waste Management
District, Wind Beneath My Wings, Northwest Ohio Pollution Prevention, TMACOG,
Environmental Technologies Commercialization Center, Wood County Animal Shelter
Maumee RAP Buffet Dinner and Brainstorming Session
January 1994
Description:
Lead Organization:
The Maumee RAP held a large public meeting to get more people involved in setting
priorities for the RAP and in planning grassroots activities for the coming year and
beyond. The event brought about 75 people together to learn more about the specific
problems faced in the Maumee AOC, ask questions, and generate ideas for activities
in which individuals can get involved. Awards were presented to several individuals
for outstanding achievements. The event was deemed a success and resulted in
generating many new action group volunteers.
Maumee RAP Committee
Special Educational Equipment
Ongoing
Description:
SWCDs and other educators often use interactive models and other “hands on”
activities to better explain complex environmental issues. A few examples include:
Stream Table (1994)
A stream table was built by members of the Maumee RAP Agriculture Runoff Action
Group to assist with nonpoint source runoff education. The table includes “beads” to
demonstrate the formation of gullies and natural water pathways, simulating
agricultural fields without protective cover (i.e. without using conservation tillage
practices). This tabletop display has been taken to several events to increase the
public’s understanding of the benefits of incorporating BMPs to address agricultural
and urban runoff.
EnviroScapes
Area Soil and Water Conservation Districts purchased these plastic interactive
Activities and Accomplishments
in the Maumee Area of Concern
163
Issue 5: Increase Public
Participation and Awareness