Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers kick off 'Waterkeeper weekend'

The Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is partnering with other organizations to preserve and protect Western New York's waterways ahead of this summer season.

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Labatt Blue, D'Youville, Skyride and Lawley Insurance are sponsoring a number of events from May 17th through May 20th. There are tours to learn the history of the Buffalo River, the Fontana Boathouse, Buffalo's harbor and the Old First Ward. You can find a full list of events here.

The team monitors creeks, rivers and lakes across Western New York, checking for water quality, microplastics and organisms among many other things. While the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper organization does a lot, there are always opportunities to become a steward of our waterways. You can volunteer your time and participate in cleanups, restoring shorelines, monitor water quality and become an ambassador.

There are also many things you can do on your own and it can be as simple as choosing a reusable bottle over a plastic water bottle or picking up trash you see outside.

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers also promote safety on the water, reminding kayakers to always wear a personal floatation device, carry a sound-making device like a whistle, bring a communication device like a cell phone or a radio and to dress for the water temperature.