Fun for Kids - We all Live Downstream

As a river flows to the ocean, it travels through forests, farms, small neighborhoods and big cities. Rain and melting snow flow over the land and enter the river all along the way. Each of these environments affects the health of the water in the river in different ways. In the forest, leaves and twigs fall into the river, providing food and shelter for the critters that live in the water. In areas where people live, pollution like litter, pet waste and road salt can make their way into the river too. On farms, farmers can help clean water by avoiding the use of chemicals on their land and by growing native plants along waterways to keep them shaded and protected.

Are you river-friendly? Take the quiz at njriverfriendly.org/resident to learn how you can protect clean water!

Did you know dragonflies spent part of their life underwater? They are born in freshwater as nymphs and then emerge out of the water as adults. How many dragonflies can you find on this page?