The Secret Life of the Ohio River: Why It Matters and How Kids Can Help
What do mussels, minnows, and prehistoric paddlefish all have in common? They all call the Ohio River home and they’re counting on us to protect it. The Ohio River isn’t just a body of water we drive over or pass by, it’s one of the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems in North America.
Beginning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and flowing 981 miles to Cairo, Illinois, the Ohio River is a vital resource that supports the lives of over 30 million people in the Ohio River Basin. Encompassing parts of 14 states and 5% of the US mainland, the Ohio River Basin is one of the most influential watersheds in the nation, touching everything from agriculture and energy to transportation and recreation. With over 38 power generating facilities on the mainstem and 184 million tons of coal and cargo shipped annually, the Ohio River is an economic powerhouse for our region.
For roughly 5 million people, the Ohio River doesn’t just provide recreation and industry – it provides clean drinking water. Without regulations, river monitoring agencies, and people who care, the Ohio River would fall into disarray, and as the Ohio River flows into the Mississippi River, all things good and bad flow with it.
At the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE), we believe every child can be a river representative. In partnership with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), we bring river science to life through school programs like floating classrooms and mobile aquarium exhibits, citizen science, and volunteer events across the Ohio River Basin. Our mission is to inspire kids and families to understand, appreciate, and protect not only the Ohio River, but all of the waterways in our basin
A River That Sustains Life and Connects Us All
Humans use the Ohio River as an abundant source of freshwater, but it’s not just humans who rely on it. The Ohio River is a lifeline for people, animals, plants, industries, and communities. It connects us to nature, neighboring states, and our past and future generations. Below the Ohio River’s waterline is an underwater world with over 160 species of freshwater fish, hundreds of macroinvertebrate species, and thousands of plankton species that are so small you can’t see them without a microscope. These critters call the Ohio River their home, and they depend on you and me to keep it clean.
Let’s do what we can to keep it flowing strong.
How Families & Kids Can Get Involved
You don’t have to wait until you’re grown to help the Ohio River! Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher looking to inspire action, here are some simple ways kids can make a difference!
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- Take Time to Appreciate It: Sometimes, the first step to protecting something is simply loving it. Take time to visit the river, enjoy its beauty, and share that experience with others.
- Show Respect for the Wildlife: Learn about the animals that call the river home, and make choices that help preserve their habitat. Join us at America’s River Roots Festival and meet Ohio River fish up close and personal at our Life Below the Waterline Mobile Aquarium!
- Join Our Ohio River Sweep: Participate in an Ohio River Sweep event and help remove litter from riverbanks and tributaries – we provide gloves, trashbags, and t-shirts for FREE! Visit orsanco.org/river-sweep to learn more and sign up today!
- Explore Our Floating Classroom: FORE’s River REACH program offers students the unique opportunity to learn aboard a riverboat, kayak, or canoe. Students transform into water scientists, engaging in hands-on activities such as testing water quality and identifying aquatic life. riverlearning.org/program/river-reach-floating-classroom
- Become a Citizen Scientist: Students can join our River Watchers program to monitor water health and share real data that helps protect our river.
- Become a sponsor: We need all hands on deck when it comes to keeping the Ohio River healthy! Life is busy and time is finite, so if you aren’t able to support the Ohio River with your time, consider supporting the Ohio River with a monetary donation.
- Practice Eco-Friendly Habits: Be mindful of what goes down the drain or ends up on the ground. Pick up any litter you see as long as it’s safe; anything not disposed of properly has the potential to end up in the Ohio River.
- Help limit the spread of invasive species: After enjoying your time on the water, make sure to clean your boat and gear to make sure you don’t carry any invasive species home with you.
- Plant Native Plants: Support the ecosystem by planting species that naturally belong in your region. Not only do they require less water and maintenance, but they also help support our local pollinators and wildlife.
- Attend Community Events: Get involved in local festivals, education programs, or conservation efforts focused on the river.
- Join us in celebrating: We would be delighted if you could join us for ORSANCO’s upcoming 2025 Ohio River Sweep season finale on October 4th to clean up the Cincinnati and Northern KY Riverfronts in preparation for the America’s River Roots Festival! Visit orsanco.org/end-of-season-cleanup-event for more information and to register today!
The Ohio River can’t speak for itself, but our kids can. When children understand the value of clean water and healthy ecosystems, they carry that awareness into adulthood. They become protectors, problem-solvers, and advocates for their community and planet.
So next time you’re walking near the river or one of its tributaries, pause and ask your kids:
What can we do to help the river today?
