Back in the ’90s, the Wapahani (White) River was unsafe to enter because of heavy pollution and sewer runoff. Some old signs still remain near the river to warn visitors of danger. However, thanks to the work of the many river advocacy groups in Central Indiana that work tirelessly to improve the health of our beloved river and the areas that surround it, our river is safe to enter today. It is evident by the return of many aquatic creatures and plants that the pollution levels have reduced significantly over the last 30 years. At White Pine, we follow the advice of these groups when they say, “Feet, not face” and avoid entering the river for about 24 hours after a heavy rain.
Because of the work of these advocacy groups, our staff and students are able to visit the Wapahani River on a regular basis and develop a relationship with it, learn the plants and animals that live in and near it, and come to love the Wapahani in all it’s beauty. We are so proud that there have been several White Pine staff and students that have gone on to work in these advocacy groups to protect and preserve the Wapahani for generations to come.
Here is our water policy from our Family Handbook:
Visits to the Wapahani (White) River can be a daily part of the White Pine day. Students are not permitted in or near the river when it is above normal flow due to health and safety concerns. Due to the hydrology of this urban river, entry into the river is only permitted during low flows. When students are allowed in the river, White Pine policy is to allow students to wade with footwear, in water no deeper than the student’s knees. Life Jackets are required for all students boarding watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Instructors and leadership make very conservative judgment calls on allowing any river activity.