317 Project: Sights and sounds from the White River, a waterway for the people

The 317 Project tells stories of life in all of Indianapolis’ vibrant neighborhoods – 317 words at a time.

Sunshine glimmers on the water’s surface. Like blue-green brushstrokes on a canvas, small ripples capture twinkles of light, one gently folding over into the next.

As the world around it comes to life, the river dances.

Above, an eagle lurks not far from its nest. A pair of Blue Herons fly low to the water. Red sliders and painted turtles slide off downed trees, dropping like pebbles.

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The banks are covered in native sycamores, cottonwoods, maples and invasive species of garlic mustard and bush honeysuckle.

The wind, the river, and the creatures fill the otherwise quiet air— a symphony of murmurs, not far from the city.

The White River belongs to the people, and they should take every opportunity to take it in, advocates say.

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Friends of the White River, and others beguiled by the river's charms, are striving to share that right with all who want to explore it.

"This is our most precious natural resource," Scott Salmon, Friends’ executive director, said.

The river is not without a difficult past, plagued by pollution brought by man. But there’s progress, Salmon said. And with that progress, they are encouraging people to venture onto the waterway.

It takes practice to float downstream, a combination of steering, rowing and communicating commands.

“All forward,” Montell Hendricks, a raft guide-in-training, said during a spring Saturday float from Carmel to Oliver's Woods near the north side.

The raft guides know their objectives – mitigate risks and marvel at the water. They lead the way out and back to land safely.

Hendricks works for Groundwork Indy, where he helps run youth programs geared to life skills and environmental awareness. They plan to bring kids on the water this summer.

For many, the White River is unfamiliar territory. Hendricks and Salmon believe there should be a connection.

For better or worse, the river looks to the people.

"This is what we got," Salmon said.

Contact IndyStar's general assignment reporter Rachel Fradette at rfradette@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter: @Rachel_Fradette.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 317 Project: Sights, sounds from the White River, the people's water