Good decisions start with good information. This collection of resources and research is here to help you better understand our watershed, the challenges it faces, and the solutions that make a difference. From practical guides to in-depth studies, everything here is meant to support learning, inspire action, and strengthen our community’s connection to the water around us.

Water Wanderers is a new, family-friendly educational initiative designed to help residents explore the outdoors while learning how to protect water quality in the Blanchard River Watershed.

The program is a collaborative effort of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Allen, Hardin, Hancock, Putnam, Seneca, and Wyandot counties, in partnership with the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership. Together, they’re providing families with fun, hands-on adventures to discover how we can all play a role in protecting water quality throughout the Blanchard River Watershed.

Families are invited to explore the Water Wanderers Trail, a self-guided journey that brings learning to life. The “trail” features a series of colorful signs located at six unique sites across the watershed—each showcasing real conservation projects that help protect our water resources. Using a Water Wanderers Trail map, families can travel from site to site, enjoying nature while learning how different landscapes and practices keep our rivers and streams healthy.

Each stop highlights an important feature of the watershed, including riparian buffers, wetlands, floodplains, prairies, watersheds, and storm drains. Families can pick up a fun nature hunt and activity guide from their county Soil and Water Conservation District before they begin. At each location, kids and adults alike will read the sign, answer questions, solve puzzles, and learn how that conservation practice helps protect our water supply.

To make it even more interactive, each sign includes a raised symbol that children can make a rubbing of in their activity guide—proof they’ve visited that site! After completing all six sites, plus a special bonus location, families can bring their completed booklet back to their Soil and Water Conservation District to collect a prize.

Water Wanderers is designed to get people outside, spark curiosity, and show just how amazing nature is—and how even small actions can make a big difference in caring for our waterways. Organizers hope the program will serve as a springboard for future outdoor learning opportunities and community engagement throughout the Blanchard River Watershed.