Posted on: April 11, 2019

Participate in the annual DuPage County River Sweep by joining the Glen Ellyn Park District at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve on Saturday, May 18^th from 9am-12pm. Volunteers, ages 5 or older, will help remove debris in and along the local waterway.

“We encourage groups to participate,” said Renae Frigo, Naturalist with the Glen Ellyn Park District. “Our site has about two miles of shoreline to cover, so having more volunteers allows us to do a more thorough job, and in less time.”

The DuPage River and its tributaries are home to many varieties of fish, waterfowl, and other creatures who are at risk due to pollution and the presence of trash that litters the shorelines. Since the one-day event was launched by The Conservation Foundation in 1991, more than 13,300 volunteers have removed nearly 280 tons of garbage from DuPage County waterways.

“Working along a shoreline can be challenging; there is a bit of an adventure with water clean-ups,” added Frigo. “Most people think it is fun, and they feel good about helping. If you’ve never done a water clean-up, expect to get wet and muddy.” While the park district will supply gloves, bags and trash pickers, Frigo said she recommends volunteer bring leather gloves, rubber boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, long pants, and a hat.

To register for the Sweep, please visit theconservationfoundation.org/sweep. For additional information, please contact Renae Frigo at [email protected].