JANUARY

News from the Watershed: Sensible Salting for a Healthy Winter

As the winter season blankets our region in snow and ice, Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners reminds our community of the importance of sensible salting practices to protect our watershed’s health and beauty. While road salt helps keep our walkways and streets safe, excessive or improper use can harm the very ecosystems we work hard to preserve.

When salt enters our streams and creeks through runoff, it can damage aquatic life, alter water chemistry, and impact drinking water supplies. But don’t worry—small changes can make a big difference! Here are some practical tips to reduce salt use while staying safe this winter:

Sensible Salting Tips:

1. Shovel First: Clear as much snow as possible before applying salt. This reduces the amount of salt needed and makes it more effective.

2. Measure Your Salt: A little goes a long way! Use about one coffee mug’s worth of salt for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.

3. Choose Wisely: Use environmentally friendly de-icing products when possible. Look for ones labeled safe for pets and vegetation.

4. Sweep Up Excess: After the ice melts, sweep up any leftover salt to reuse or properly dispose of it. This prevents it from washing into storm drains.

By practicing sensible salting, we can reduce harmful runoff, protect our waterways, and ensure the beauty and health of Tinker’s Creek for generations to come.

Want to Learn More?

Join us for our winter webinar series, where we’ll explore topics like watershed health, native and invasive plants, and community involvement. Follow us on social media for updates and registration links!

Stay Connected

Have a winter tip or story to share? Tag us on social media with #TinkersCreekWP or send us an email at [email protected]. We love hearing from our community!

Let’s work together to make this a safe and sustainable winter for everyone in the watershed. Thank you for being a steward of our local waterways!