How Trees Protect Lakes, Rivers, and Fish from Pollution, Microplastics, and Algal Blooms Introduction Trees do far more than create beautiful landscapes—they are vital defenders of freshwater ecosystems. Along the edges of lakes, streams, and rivers, forests form living shields that keep water clean and aquatic life healthy. By filtering pollutants, stabilizing shorelines, and moderating water temperature, trees play a critical role in protecting not only the water itself bu

Reducing E. coli and Filtering Pollutants Introduction Wells are vital drinking water sources worldwide, but their proximity to surface contamination makes them vulnerable to bacterial and chemical intrusion. E. coli—a key indicator of fecal contamination—and other pollutants pose considerable risks to well water safety. Increasingly, scientific research identifies trees and forested buffers as effective, nature-based solutions for protecting groundwater and, consequently, we