Volunteers from Linworth have sampled the Olentangy River during each of Ohio's four seasons for the past two years. By taking seasonal samples from the confluence with the Scioto River northward, we are establishing a baseline for future reference. The sampling has occurred when circumstances permit, rather than on a fixed date or when a certain period of time has elapsed. In each case, the samples were taken at least 48 hours after the last rainfall event, and within 24 hours of each other. In some cases, it has taken two days to complete the sampling from site 1 to site 12. The southernmost site is near the replica of the Christopher Columbus's boat, the Santa Maria in downtown Columbus. The northernmostsite is in Highbanks Metro Park on the northern boundary of Franklin County.

The Olentangy flows southward into Franklin County from an area that is becoming more and more developed and urbanized. Active farming still occurs in our watershed in the county just north of us, Delaware County. On the other hand, the Franklin County part of the watershed is almost completely urbanized. Our samples may show a difference between the two types of environments, or help to document any changes to the river as Delaware and Franklin counties become more developed and more populated.
 

12) Highbanks
11) Plumtree Dr.
10) Wilson Bridge
9) Rt. 161
8) Kanawha
7) Whetstone
6) Northmoor
5) Ackerman Wetlands
4) Drake Union
3) 3rd Avenue bridge
2) Lower Olentangy Boat Launch
1) Santa Maria