Volunteers sought for Des Plaines River cleanup

Illinois Water TrailKeepers, a volunteer stewardship program of the Illinois Paddling Council and Openlands, is sponsoring a cleanup of the Des Plaines River in partnership with the Upper Des Plaines River Ecosystem Partnership, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Lake County Forest Preserves and other partners.

Volunteers work at three different locations doing litter cleanup and enjoying a day in natural areas along the river. Sponsors provide breakfast snacks, supplies, and prizes for volunteers.

All clean-up activities begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.

To participate, volunteers should register in advance by emailing Tom Eckels at thomasreckels@gmail.com and indicating choice of location and activity.

Ÿ Allison Woods, Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Activities: Litter cleanup (all ages), Project Squirrel wildlife monitoring (families). Please indicate activity preference when registering. West side of Milwaukee Avenue, between Lake Avenue and Palatine Road, Northbrook

Ÿ On Water Cleanup between Lake and Cook counties. Paddling Club members and other highly experienced paddlers are invited to clean up the Des Plaines River between Lake and Cook counties from canoe or kayak. Information is available on paddling club websites and email lists.

Ÿ Ryerson Woods to Cahokia Woods, Lake County Forest Preserves. Activity: Litter cleanup (all ages). Meet at the Riverwoods village hall, 300 Portwine Road, Riverwoods. Shuttle to worksites along the river.

This event is supported by a grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to the Upper Des Plaines Ecosystem Partnership.