If you see a story on water pollution, for instance, you may want to call the reporter about the possibility of a second article about the effects of water pollution on fisheries. Good research and interesting quotes carry a lot of weight in the news process. Outline details such as why riparian zones are important, why your Chapter decided to take on the project, whom you hope to involve locally, which waterways you are working on, and what a riparian zone is. Avoid jargon in your statements. Specific examples and possible solutions to a local problem add depth, color, and purpose to a story.
Anecdotes are also helpful if they make a clear point.
Taking the journalist to a healthy, fish-laden stream and then to a polluted one creates a foundation for comparison on which the reporter can build. Point out helpful details, such as how to recognize good and poor qualities in streams, and describe what local citizens can do. Trustworthy, knowledgeable source are critical to journalists. Know your stuff but also offer the names of other people familiar with your issue and organization. If your Chapter is trying to publicize a meeting or event, often a press release is the best course of action.