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Introduction
Introduction
Litter and other types of pollution negatively effect the health of humans and wildlife. Preventing these from entering waterways or removing them as quickly as possible reduces the risks they pose to all of us protects water quality.
Man-Made Litter Traps
Man-Made Litter Traps
In addition to the suggestions below, we have a Plastic Cleanup page about ways to prevent plastic and other pollution from entering waterways, and how to remove plastic, etc. after it has got into waterways or other bodies of water.
This long, angled grate-like trap may be more appropriate for rivers, streams, and outlets known to experience high water levels.
Improvements to the design might include a walkway along side the trap to improve access for cleaning.
The angle of, and space between the bars allows water to move through without letting litter block the system or escape over, around or under the trap.
The video below is a 36 second time-lapse video showing how this clever device works.
Nets
Nets
These can be fitted loosely like socks at the exit ends of pipes to help catch pollution before it gets into water ways. Alternatively they can be staked across mouths of waterways entering larger bodies of water, which makes cleaning up much easier than after pollution has made it out into wider spaces.
Dams & Levees
Dams & Levees
These can unfortunately collect pollution, but measures can be taken at the intake and outlet points to help reduce the impact of plastics, fertilizer, and other types of pollution.
Some communities have found that growing plants on floating islands has dramatically cleaned up their lakes, so this should probably be tested in other bodies of water too.
Berms & Swales
Berms & Swales
Swales are ditches designed to carry water from anywhere it may cause problems to somewhere it won't. Berms are handworks features which can help slow down water, and any trash that it may carry, but they'll work better if they are planted with species such as tall, ornamental grasses. Once the water has receded it may be even easier to collect the litter.
It would be best to avoid using bushes, especially those with thorns as these can make removing plastic and other pollution more difficult or even dangerous.
Wetlands
Wetlands
Wetlands can be natural or man-made. In some places people are working hard to undo human "upgrades" so that historical wetlands can return to their former duty of protecting communities, repairing the water cycle, and providing their many biological functions.
These wild spaces not only dissipate and capture pollution, but wetland plants have been specifically identified which are able to remove pollutants such as PFAS from soil and water.
Europe
Europe
Scotland
Scotland
SEPA's Engineering in the Water Environment Good Practice Guide, Riparian Vegetation Management "This document is one of a series of good practice guides produced by SEPA to help people involved in the selection of sustainable engineering solutions that minimize harm to the water environment. This Guide provides guidance on the establishment and sustainable management of vegetation in the riparian zone of rivers, lochs and wetlands for the benefit of the environment and people."
North America
North America
USA
USA
Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Grants Gateway (Grants Gateway) was created to streamline the grant application process for government and non-governmental organizations as well as academic institutions. Grants Gateway provides a one-stop location for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of change.
Wetlands and Wetland Restoration (USA) "Recommendations of the Wetland Expert Panel for the incorporation of non-tidal wetland best management practices (BMPs) and land uses in the Phase 6 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model"
Planting for Water:
Native Plants
Planting for Water:
Native Plants
Plants such as grasses can help capture rubbish and may even be able to break down other pollutants such as nutrient run off before they get into water ways. This is why it is so important to include appropriate plants into nature-based water management systems such as swales and riparian borders.
In addition to protecting water from pollution, the leaves and roots of plants can help reduce soil erosion, which can further help to keep waterways clean even during heavy downpours.
The following buttons can help you determine which plants are native to your area (vs invasive), find out where to get seeds, plants, and even trees in your area. For some locations this includes free seed swaps or libraries, free or cheap trees, and even funding for big projects.
This page includes guides, maps, and apps to help you find the right plants for your location. From there you can search our collection of regional guides for seed swaps, and companies who sell these species.
This guide was designed to help people with limited funds afford trees for planting, but has expanded to include som organizations that accept donations to help fund these types of programs.
This page focuses specifically on ways to obtain seeds both naturally and ethically, to seed swaps, companies, and seed libraries. Some seed suppliers and libraries only offer organic seeds for food production, some only offer wild species, but others offer a combination.
Click the PFAS Cleanup button to learn which organisms including common trees and wetland plants have been identified as highly effective for removing PFAS from the environment.
Resources & Tools
Resources & Tools
Greener LAND "This tool helps you decide which landscape interventions are best suited towards landscape restoration for the landscape you operate in. Start by selecting the characteristics of your landscape on your left." Suggestions include solutions to errosion, flooding, and can help protect landscapes against droughts.
Technical Designs for Ground Water Recharge (PDF) includes black and white illustrations.
North America
North America
USA
USA
Minnesota
Oceana
Oceana
Australia
Australia
Farm Dam Planting Guide (PDF) "What to plant in and around your dam."
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
North America
North America
USA
USA
Minnesota
Capital Project Grants "are designed to support final engineering and construction of large-scale, innovative projects that protect or improve water quality and habitat within the MWMO watershed. The MWMO provides both technical and financial assistance to eligible projects. (Smaller-scale projects may be eligible for a Stewardship Fund Grant.)"
MWMO: Community Grants "are available for short-term or small-scale water quality projects. The grant amount may not exceed $5,000. No matching funds are required."
South Carolina
PalmettoPride Tree Grants "Litter control organizations, beautification groups, government organizations, neighborhood associations and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina are eligible to apply for these trees."
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