Our new environmental initiative: Midway to the Mississippi

Jason Elyea-Wheeler

From heavy rainfall to drought conditions, the chaotic seasonal changes are here, and now more than ever we must do what we can to protect our vital watershed. The Hamline Midway Coalition has developed a simple yet effective environmental initiative aimed at protecting the Mississippi River. Inspired by Como Community Council, the Hamline Midway Coalition has partnered with Capitol Region Watershed to bring Midway to the Mississippi to the neighborhood.
When leaves build up on curbsides and clog storm drains, they release nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. These naturally occurring chemicals fertilize and feed our lawns and parks, but when leaf litter clutters our curbs, the chemicals are filtered like a tea bag of phosphorus into the storm drain. In excess amounts, this runoff can adversely affect the biodiversity and health of bodies of water such as our very own Mississippi River. Even though our neighborhood doesn’t overlook the river, the interconnectedness of the city is reliant on the river’s health and access to fresh water.
We are inviting all of our neighbors to participate in the Midway to Mississippi initiative. Simple in its design, participants are asked to clear leaves from the curb of their property either once a week or as needed. That’s it! Continuously monitor your curb and sweep away any gathering leaf debris then dispose of the leaves through compost or yard waste sites.
Clear, Report, and Protect are the tenets of this initiative. It’s as simple as that. Our individual care for the environment can build a collective force for stewardship and protection ofour waters. Will you join us?
Take part in Midway to Mississippi! Sign up and learn more at bit.ly/Midway2MississippiSign-Up.