Oak Brook Parks taking action to protect local waterways

The Oak Brook Park District Sustainability Team is partnering with The Conservation Foundation to present the “Salt Smart and You” exhibit, on display in the front lobby of the Family Recreation Center through the end of January.

The educational display highlights the environmental impacts of winter salt use. While salt plays an important role in keeping sidewalks, parking lots, and roads safe during icy conditions, excess salt can enter local waterways, harming water quality, aquatic life, and surrounding ecosystems.

The exhibit encourages simple, practical steps residents can take to use salt more responsibly while still prioritizing safety. All exhibit signage is presented in both English and Spanish to ensure the information is accessible to a wider audience.

In addition to hosting the exhibit, the Oak Brook Park District Sustainability Team is participating in the Winter Chloride Watchers program, a community science program coordinated locally by The Conservation Foundation.

As part of this initiative, the parks department helps monitor local rivers and streams for chloride, a major component of road salt, by collecting and reporting water samples throughout the winter season. The data gathered helps inform future water protection efforts and highlights how everyday salt use affects local waterways.

Winter Chloride Watchers volunteers attend training sessions, commit to monthly sampling at a chosen waterway from November through May, and report their findings using the Water Rangers app or website. Participation in the program empowers community members and organizations alike to become active stewards of local water resources.

Through initiatives like the “Salt and You” exhibit and participation in Winter Chloride Watchers, the Oak Brook Park District continues its commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and the long-term health of the community.

For more information about Oak Brook Park District, visit obparks.org.