***** LWRCP *****
est. 2006
LOWER WAPSIPINICON
RIVER CLEANUP PROJECT
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***** LWRCP *****est. 2006 LOWER WAPSIPINICON |
Date for 2010 Clean-Up is August 13th-15th
Covering the beginning section of the Lower Wapsipinicon from Anamosa to Hale (Jungletown Access)
The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project, a canoeing- and camping-based river cleanup event, took place for its fourth year August 23-24, 2009. Twenty-six volunteers removed an amazing 3.03 tons of trash from 12 miles of the Wapsipinicon River, plus its backwaters, and nearby sloughs on the Mississippi. The section of river covered weaves through Clinton and Scott County, from McCausland Landing to the Mississippi River. Of the trash collected, 52% was recycled. The grand total removed from the river over the last four years is a whopping 23.6 tons removed from 72 miles of river, watershed, and backwaters.
"I am continually amazed and touched to see people from all over Iowa and Illinois - many returning from previous years - to give of themselves in such a way to improve the health and beauty of our local river," stated coordinator Melisa Jacobsen "It's in these small steps that we hope to increase awareness and help affect larger changes with respect to our waterways used by so many individuals and families for recreation. "
The program provided free canoes, free camping, and low-cost meals, as well as an evening Mississippi River eco-cruise on the Blue Heron led by a Clinton County Conservation Board Naturalist.
Sponsors for this event included: Clinton County Conservation Board; Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc., Dixon, IA; BEHR Metal Recycling, Clinton, IA; G. Baker Distributing, Clinton, IA; Allied Waste Services, Clinton, IA; Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency, Jones Optical, Champaign, IL; Active Endeavors, Davenport, IA; Paul's Discount, Clinton, IA; Mid-American Energy; KA Screen Printing, Davenport, IA and Target, Clinton, IA
The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project is a grassroots organization with a twofold purpose: To remove trash from the river and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner; and to educate the public about the environment and the importance of caring for natural resources. They will be cleaning up on a different section of the Lower Wapsipinicon each year in late August.
Please join us again for the 4th annual canoe based Wapsi river clean up. The 2009 section will be from where we ended in 2008, the 12 miles from Walters Landing near McCausland to the mouth of the Mississippi and up to Rock Creek Marina & Campground, as well as the surounding watershed
Base camp for Friday and Saturday nights will be at Rock Creek Marina in Clinton County. Tent camping is free; cabins and electrical sites are available at your own expense. Showers, flush toilets, and running water will be available at the campground. The Friday night stay is optional. The cleanup will begin early Saturday morning, August 22. Saturday evening, the award-winning Clinton County Conservation Board naturalists will offer interesting, fun, and free environmental education programs about the river and the land around it. Participants may bring their own food or pay for catered meals in advance with their registration. Five meals are offered, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Participants may choose any or all of the meals. There are also convenience stores and restaurants in the surrounding communities a short drive away. Event T-shirts will be offered for sale. A limited number of canoes, paddles, and orange "keyhole" PFDs will be provided free for those who don't have or don't want to use their own. PFDs are required to be worn at all times while participants are on the river.
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Click below for info about previous events' recaps, totals, & pictures!
2008--Allen's Grove Park to McCausland Landing
8 tons of trash removed
2007--Wapsi backwaters/Rock Creek Marina
4 tons of trash removed
2006--Walnut Grove (Toronto) to Allen's Grove
5.8 tons of trash removed
Contact info:
Melisa Jacobsen, Coordinator, coordinator-at-lowerwapsicleanup.org