Stream/brook clean up?

Question

I've got a little brook in my backyard, that is mostly run off from the water drainage along the local neighborhood roads. So, you may imagine what i find. Golf balls, hockey pucks, plastic bags (a lot) etc. What should i do with all of this? Also is there anything else i can do to help the stream.? It is about 3 feet wide usually, but it varies. Thanks!

Answer 1

You can plant native shrubs and plants along the banks of the stream. This will help to filter the run-off and help to eliminate some of the things you're finding from getting into the water in the first place.

You could also write a letter to your local paper/community association/local free paper describing some of the items you found.

You could also organize an annual community brook clean up. That's what we do in my community.

Answer 2

You could put in some large rocks across the stream.  It will slow the water if the rocks are placed in a row, or a curved shape.  Slowing the water will let some of the debree settle and make it easier to pick up.  Rocks are also a great habitat for insects and other water creatures.  Some native vegitation along the banks is also a great idea.

Answer 3

put some frogs in there

Answer 4

chicken wire a some point and put it where yoou can clean out the portal.

Answer 5

Put a culvert in so you, your kids and pets aren't exposed to all the stuff that most urban/suburban drainage ditches carry.

Based on what you have described, it's not a wildlife refuge, right?  

Or lobby your town to do something, I wouldn't want mosquitoes breading in my back yard with some of the new deceases moving north with the changing climate...