The Nashua River is located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In the 1960s it was one of the most polluted rivers in America. Paper mills and other industries had been dumping dyes and chemicals into the river for decades. Parts of the river were so polluted that only sludge worms could survive in it. Then, a local resident named Marion Stoddart took action and organized a cleanup of the Nashua River. Thanks to Soddart’s efforts, the first state and federal clean water acts were passed. These new laws helped support the long cleanup process. Today, the Nashua River is a thriving ecosystem widely used for recreation.
What is the main idea of the passage?
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Ecosystems change over time based on human activities and natural processes.
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Human activity has negatively impacted the environment and our natural resources.
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Animals cannot survive in rivers and waterways that have been polluted by human activities.
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Individuals and communities are doing things to help protect Earth’s resources and environments.
