Nothing, it just WAVED!
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Water. Few things are as important to all life on the planet as is this wondrous compound. Did you know that our bodies are roughly composed of 60-70% water? We Michiganders are particularly lucky. Our Great Lakes hold about 22% of the world's fresh water. This equates to about 95% of the usable freshwater in the United States! Have you ever taken a step back to truly appreciate its complexity and beauty? By witnessing the vast array of beautiful forms which water can take, only then can we truly fathom the great power and value it has. What better way to see the beauty in something than to be able to use it for fun?!
Here's a quick list of ways you can enjoy water throughout the year here in the Great Lakes State:
Winter
Ice Fishing
Snowshoeing
Snow Skiing
Sledding/Snowboarding
Snowmobiling
Building Snow Sculptures
Winter River Rafting - Did you know you can go rafting down the Sturgeon River on a guided tour? Remember to bundle up and take in the serenity of the river through the snow covered trees.
Spring
Fishing
Herping - What the heck is herping?! Well let us tell you! It is the most exhilarating springtime event you can participate in.... drum roll please... looking for reptiles and amphibians!!
Summer
Fishing
Swimming
Water Skiing
Tubing
Boating
Water Parks
Fall
Boating
Fishing
MAINTAINING LOCAL WATER QUALITY
What can you do to help to maintain the quality of your local watershed? There are many ways in which you can help keep our watersheds, streams, lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water, healthy and clean.
Plant trees and flowers in disturbed areas to help reduce soil erosion
Keep trash, debris, chemicals, and other pollution out of areas that drain into waterways
Never release unwanted bait since it can spread invasive species which harm native wildlife
Remove invasive plants which may increase erosion
Consider installing rain gardens which are great at reducing runoff from heavy rains
Add drainage areas to large impervious surfaces like driveways so water can be absorbed
Capture rainwater to water your plants with later
THE POWER OF WATER
Leonardo Da Vinci once said "Water is the driving force of all nature." It is no surprise looking at the incredible steps in which water travels throughout the world and atmosphere in the water cycle.
Even just in liquid form water has the power to erode mountains, generate electricity, and sustain every living organism!
Hydrology, or the study of water and water movement, is intimately linked with soils. A simple drop of rain can reshape the surface of the earth by dislodging soil particles and washing them away. And, just as water can affect soil, soil can affect water. The soil type and structure ultimately determines if an area is considered “wet” or “dry”, and can control how the water moves through the soil profile. Tune in next Friday to learn more about soil.