Salt on the Streets, Trouble in the Streams: Road Salt and Freshwater Degradation with The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay

Ever wondered what happens to the salt crystals that cover our parking lots, sidewalks, and roads in the winter months?

The use of road salts is particularly prevalent in the Midwest where winters are long, snowfall is abundant, and the pressure to maintain clear roads is widespread – but it’s having an impact on our freshwater. 

Please join The Watershed Center and learn about salt sources and impacts, local salt monitoring projects, and responsible salting practices that can help keep us safe and keep our waters healthy. 

This will be one of many opportunities to learn about salt’s impact on water resources during Winter Salt Week January 26-30, 2026. To learn more, visit www.gtbay.org.