The Autumn trees are stunning in Canberra at this time of year. The streets are a beautiful mix of red, yellow, orange and green as far as the eye can see. As wonderful as Autumn leaves are, do you know they can be harmful for our waterways? You may have walked past your local duck pond and been disappointed to see it covered in a layer of blue-green algae. Well Autumn leaves are partly to blame!
When leaves enter waterways, they increase the phosphorous level of the water. Phosphorous is one of the key ingredients to support algal blooms. Blue-green algae is harmful to both humans and animals.
Luckily, it is easy to keep our waterways healthy simply by picking up leaves in your garden to prevent them entering stormwater drains. Leaves are a useful addition for our gardens. They are great for mulch and an excellent source of carbon for your compost systems. They can also go into the green waste bin if you don’t want them at home.
If you want to learn more about Autumn leaves and waterways, check out the Leaf Collective! By keeping leaves out of our waterways, you will be making your own Local Impact on the environment.
How Local Impact Sustainability can help?
Local Impact Sustainability runs the Eco Koala Gang Sustainability Program for children aged between 3-6 years. We visit Early Childhood Education Centres, Preschools and Schools in Canberra and Surrounds to empower children to gain sustainability and environmental knowledge based on outcomes cited in the Early Years Learning Framework. One of our many topics is about healthy waterways. In the ‘It’s Raining, It’s Pouring’ session, children learn about where water goes after it rains, how different waterways are connected, and how rubbish and Autumn leaves can be washed into drains. We investigate the impacts of pollution in the water for marine life and humans, with games, role playing activities and water play. If you would like the Eco Koala Gang to visit your service, send us an email at localimpactsustainability@gmail.com to obtain a quote and further information.
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