CRESCO - A caravan of canoeists will snake through the Upper Iowa River, hauling trash from the water during the Fourth Annual Upper Iowa River Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Those interested in volunteering must pre-register by Sept. 17. Contact Deb Keefe at 877-787-2267 or keefe@earthlink.net. The day will begin with breakfast at 8 a.m., Saturday at the Chimney Rock Canoe Rental and Campground (3312 Chimney Rock Road, Cresco).

Every year since 2002, volunteers have traveled the Upper Iowa River between Kendalville and Bluffton for a weekend cleanup. Participants spend a day on the water, pulling everything from pop-cans to car parts out of the water.

Last year, 75 volunteers retrieved roughly1300 pounds of garbage. The program has grown every year since its first outing, when 20 people participated. Organizers expect at least 100 volunteers this year.

Cleanup participants will receive breakfast and lunch on Saturday and free camping both Friday and Saturday nights. Canoe use is free during the event. Participants should wear "work" clothing, closed-end shoes and heavy-duty gloves. Insect repellant and sunscreen are advised.

The program includes a potluck dinner Saturday night - participants should bring a meal item and reusable dinnerware. Local businesses have also donated prizes for a drawing that evening. 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.
 

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