Water may flow in a thousand channels, but it all returns to the sea. When a single drop of rain falls in North Carolina it is seaward bound. As it flows through communities it picks up sediments and pollutants along the way. Trees planted throughout a water basin can hold together the soil and keep it from rushing seaward as well. Water traveling through the soil is cleansed before it enters streams.
Water falling from leaves pick up oxygen to carry into the rivers.
North Carolina has over 2 million areas of estuary, the place where these raindrops flow to meet the sea. Planting trees will keep our estuaries clean for the river life, sea life and you. This activity will help your student understand the many factors influencing water quality as the rivers flow to the sea.