CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
River Clean-ups

River clean-ups are one exciting way that volunteers can do something tangible for local streams. The Miami Conservancy District has a tradition of involvement in these clean-ups and believes that a more aesthetically-pleasing river will encourage everyone to value the river more. River clean-ups also help maintain the flood protection system by removing debris and trash that caretakers would have to remove.

Five Rivers Clean-up
Traditionally held on the fourth Saturday of April, this clean-up involves thousands of volunteers walking the banks of the Great Miami River and its major tributaries, the Mad River, the Stillwater River, Twin Creek and Wolf Creek. The 2008 clean-up and Earth Day Expo was held on Saturday, April 19. To volunteer for the 2009 event, contact Five Rivers MetroParks volunteer coordinator Kevin Kepler at (937) 275-7275.

Stillwater Trash Clean-up
Initiated by the Stillwater Watershed Project, this annual canoe clean-up divides the navigable portions of the Stillwater River into four or five sections. Volunteers paddle each section, removing trash from the banks and the river bed. To learn more about volunteering for the Friday, May 30, 2008 event, contact Greg McGlinch at (937) 548-1715, x3.

Clean Sweep of the Great Miami: Indian Lake to Ohio River
Local groups have joined forces to coordinate a clean-up of the entire 170 miles of the Great Miami. Dates and methods vary depending on local conditions. To learn more about volunteering, contact Linda Raterman at (937) 335-7666 x230.