Help Protect the River as a Winter Chloride Watcher
The fall season is not too early to start protecting our local waterways and wildlife from the perils of road salt this coming winter. That is why Friends of the Chicago River is teaming up with the Conservation Foundation’s Winter Chloride Watchers Program to help protect our waterways through volunteer community science by collecting water samples and gathering important data this winter season.
Become a Winter Chloride Watcher by attending a free training on Wednesday, October 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Big Marsh Park.
Road salt is halite, which is the natural mined mineral form of sodium chloride and is used to melt snow and ice on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Many road salt or de-icing products also contain additives that can be toxic too.
As a volunteer Winter Chloride Watcher, you will learn the basics of chloride monitoring and take part in water testing at a local river or stream. With this data, we will gain a clearer picture of how chlorides affect aquatic life and how salt-smart winter practices can reduce the amount of chlorides that reach waterways. Sign up now.
