Watch: Biologists examine low-cost ways to improve urban streams

Biologists at the University of Cincinnati are studying low-cost ways to improve water quality and wildlife habitat in urban creeks. Like those found in many large cities, Cincinnati’s streams are routinely affected by routine flash floods, sewage overflows, pollution and stormwater runoff. Researchers are examining whether water quality and wildlife habitat can be improved simply by adding a touch more of Mother Nature. With a team of volunteers, they placed fallen logs and branches in select parts of the upper Cooper Creek. The biologists hope the addition of fallen timber could help slow periodic floodwaters, create more standing pools for fish during droughts and reduce nutrients that could make their way downstream.

Watch a video of the work below, and read more from the University of Cincinnati.