Encourage Waterfowl to Migrate
When waterfowl stop migrating, water pollutionincreases. Canada goose populations have grown dramatically across the US, leading to excess bacteria in waterways. In addition to human handouts, geese like to feast on heavily fertilized, manicured lawns. An un-mowed, wide shoreline buffer of tall native grasses discourages geese. Dogs are also effective goose chasers.
What You Can Do
Don 't feed the geese or ducks. Encourage migration, instead. If you don't feed them, they'll migrate and feed themselves. Both the birds and the river will be better for it.