At ODC Network, we believe clean water is worth the work. For over a decade, we’ve been leading the effort to protect Lake Macatawa and the Macatawa Watershed through Project Clarity, bringing together farmers, municipalities, researchers, and residents in one of West Michigan’s most ambitious conservation efforts.

Restoring a lake is a long-term process that depends on the community. Everyone in the greater Holland and Zeeland area lives in the Macatawa Watershed, which means every home is connected to the lake. What you do on your property matters downstream.

Here are four easy ways you can get involved at home this fall and winter:

1. Don’t let leaves block or flow into storm drains. If you can, let leaves decompose where they fall. You can also add them to a home compost pile, spread them in your landscape beds as natural mulch, or put them in paper bags for curbside pickup.
2. Wash your car in the grass or at a car wash. Car wash soap bonds with dirt. When you wash your car in the driveway, those chemicals run down into the storm drain and then into our local waters. Washing on the lawn lets the ground filter the runoff, and a commercial car wash treats its wastewater.
3. Minimize your use of deicing salt. High levels of salt melting into surface water can be toxic to plants and animals. Remove snow before applying salt, spread the crystals sparingly, and sweep away any leftovers once the ice melts.
4. Limit your use of plant fertilizers. Test your soil first so you know which nutrients your yard actually needs. Follow all application instructions and rates, and never apply fertilizer within 15 feet of the water’s edge.

To learn more about Project Clarity and find other ways to get involved, visit outdoordiscovery.org/project-clarity.