DuPage River Sweep 2020 Announcement

[Bart Durham]

In light of the Covid 19 epidemic the Conservation Foundation has modified its approach to the Dupage  River cleanup project this year which was set previously set for May 16, 2020.  Here is their announcement:

 

DUPAGE RIVER SWEEP MONTH

May 16, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Our care for nature connects us all, even during this time of social distancing!

For the health of our volunteers, we are modifying the annual DuPage River Sweep that was scheduled for May 16^th.   We are now declaring the entire month of May as DuPage River Sweep Month and encouraging everyone (regardless of what county you’re in) to get out and show some love to a waterway near you!  Our health and the health of our communities are directly tied to the health of our rivers and streams, so let’s get out there and make a difference!              

At times and places that are convenient for you, head out yourself or with immediate family members and clean up trash and debris on a trail or waterway near you.  The fact is, even trash on land will eventually wind up in our rivers, so if you don’t have easy access to a river or stream, you can still participate.  All you need are some gloves, a trash bag, and a heart for service.  Even though we can’t gather in large groups this year, our small efforts will collectively make a big difference!

If you want to do a clean-up during the month of May, this list can help you find a location. Before you go out though, please email Adam Carlson ACarlson@dupageforest.org so that we do not have multiple people going to a site and also so that the forest preserve rangers know to go pick up the trash at the designated locations.

Share your impact #riversweep2020

Please take photos of your cleanup and post them on your social media pages with the location you worked at and the hashtag #riversweep and tag The Conservation Foundation.  Then we’ll all be able to see what a difference we have been able to make together even though we are apart! 

Not Cancelled: Making a Difference. 

Not Cancelled: Community Impact. 

Not Cancelled:  Conservation.

Here are some tips to make your DIY River Sweep safe and successful:

• Wear protective clothing, especially gloves.
• Maintain a safe social distance from others.
• Bring bags and containers appropriate for transporting trash back home with you.
• Do not use a park’s trash containers, as they can get overloaded.
• Photograph your participants, collected trash, path or shoreline.
• Please carry out your cleanup efforts on public lands or private property that you have access to.  We are not advocating trespassing on private property!