CRESCO - Volunteers soon will swarm the Upper Iowa River on a mission to keep it clean during the fourth annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Prospective volunteers must RSVP at least one week before the cleanup, which leaves less than three weeks to get signed up: contact Deb Keefe at (877) 787-2267 or keefe@earthlink.net.

During the cleanup, volunteers will pilot canoes and kayaks between Kendalville and Bluffton, removing refuse along the way. The day will begin with breakfast at 8 a.m., Saturday at the Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground (3312 Chimney Rock Road, Cresco).

Last year, 75 volunteers retrieved roughly 1,300 pounds of garbage. The program has been growing every year since its first outing in 2002, when it attracted roughly 20 volunteers. Organizers expect at least 100 volunteers this year.

As in past years, volunteers will receive free camping both Friday and Saturday nights and free canoe use during the cleanup. Event organizers will provide breakfast and lunch on Saturday.

The program will also include a potluck dinner Saturday night. Participants should bring a meal item and reusable dinnerware. Local businesses will also be donating prizes for a drawing that evening - anyone interested in donating should contact Richard Kittelson (see below).

This year, organizers plan to offer two shorter (3-hour) and two longer (5-hour) floating options. Improving upon last year's program, organizers will place signs along the route and position support staff at every pick-up and drop-off point.

Representatives from various sponsoring natural resources groups (including the Iowa DNR, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation) will give short educational presentations Saturday evening.

For more information, contact Richard Kittelson at (563) 864-7112 or at kittelson@netins.net.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page