Mind the streams please

Question

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Small streams are essential for keeping our connection with nature  especially near human populated environment.  Microscopic life begets insects and fish which supports the riparian ecology, which inturn feeds birds and larger mammals such as, bear and coyote.
What can we do to preserve and promote the awareness of the fragility of life in these streams
An example used in British Columbia, Canada is to engage school children to paint fish symbols on street  grate that flow into the natural water system is one way. This reminds people that what goes into the grate will eventually make its way to the local streams.
Another is keeping the banks natural, not creating concrete walkways or walls close to the stream.
What are some other practices that will raise awareness and  help us  protect our urban waterway?

Pandit Patil · Accepted Answer

Mind the Streams
Water has always been perceived as a gift from the gods as it rains from the heavens and flows across the earth. Local water streams play an important role in the economic and social culture of the community. Community members of rural communities play an important role in local water management and should take part in the following activities: 1. Join a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) to add a community voice. 2. Include 'river restoration' in assessment of who to vote for in the upcoming elections. 3. Organizing a community river action group to replant, clean up and protect your local waterway. 4. Educating students on the importance of their participation. 5. Finding local level champions to plant trees across stream bed and parenting the tree for a year. 6. Encouraging schools to have a small corner picnic and encouraging kids to love their surrounding nature. 7. Set awareness on how to reduce the water pollution. 8. Community awareness for natural flow maintenance and water recharge structures. A lot many initiatives can be carried out depending upon the level of response we are getting form the community.

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