Protecting Our Great Natural Resource, the Ohio River

Here at ORSANCO & FORE, we have been reflecting on our successes in 2022 thanks to your support! We are excited to continue to expand our programs in 2023.

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) and the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE) would like to extend our deep gratitude to all of our volunteers, site coordinators, and sponsors that supported the Ohio River Sweep program in 2022. Your efforts and funding helped make the events a regional success!

Our work in the Ohio River Valley is not done! The Sweep program is continuing with a seasonal format in 2023 that supports numerous cleanup events between the dates of March 1st - October 31st. In 2023, we anticipate reaching even further into the Ohio River Basin watershed to include more local creeks and tributaries, further extending the message that litter throughout the watershed can eventually end up in the Ohio River and beyond.

How to Participate:

• Plan a cleanup with a group or organization. There are many opportunities for a variety of groups including Scout groups, city and county parks & recreation, universities, rotary clubs, local businesses, and more!

• Find a Sweep near you using our online interactive map.

• Donate to support a cleanup event. Your contribution will provide t-shirts, gloves, and trash bags to volunteers.

*For all donation commitments received after February 1st, 2023, sponsor logos will be included on 2024 promotional materials.

Join our team! We have part time environmental educator positions available for our spring, summer, and fall floating classroom programs as well as our community outreach events. The position is for programs and events only. Hours may vary by season.

This is a perfect opportunity for someone who cares about water quality, aquatic life, and wants to help protect the Ohio River! Our programs get students out of the classroom and on the river, spend the day on a riverboat or out at public events teaching people about our environment and encouraging stewardship!

ORSANCO Biological Programs is hiring for 2023! Join a dynamic team environment that works together to collect fish, macroinvertebrates, abiotic habitat, and water quality data along the Ohio River and its major tributaries. Applications are due by March 15th!

FORE is currently partnering with BB Riverboats to use the River Queen as a floating classroom and educational laboratory. The River REACH program engages students in applied STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines through hands on-water quality monitoring, habitat assessments, and studies of aquatic organisms, including fish and macroinvertebrates, that are used to study the health of the river system.

There are a few openings remaining, schedule your class today! Currently, this program is only offered in the greater Cincinnati region. However, please let us know if you would like to see us in your area too!

Visit our website and contact our Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator, Nick Callahan to learn more about this program and other environmental education programs we offer for students, teachers, and the general public.