Help group clean Fox River in Batavia

Submitted by Batavians For A Healthy River

Batavians For A Healthy River is recruiting volunteers for a Fox River Cleanup in Batavia from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21. The group will meet at the parking lot on Route 25 by Clark Island and the Skate Park.

This cleanup will focus on shoreline and river cleanup. Volunteers should dress appropriately and bring work gloves; trash bags will be provided. A few canoes are needed, as well as volunteers experienced in removal of trash from the river. Those with waders should bring them.

Lunch will be provided to volunteers immediately after the cleanup.

Volunteers interested in assisting with the cleanup may just show up May 21. However, those with questions or any who are organizing small groups to participate should call Jessi DeMartini at (630) 871-7548.

All participants will be asked to sign a waiver form and all children must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult. For details or to obtain a waiver, visit bataviansforahealthyriver.org.

Batavians For A Healthy River was organized in 2003 to inspire a conservation ethic in Batavia; work cooperatively with others to monitor and make improvements to the health of the Fox River watershed in Batavia; improve water quality in the Fox River by reducing point and non-point sources of pollution in Batavia; inform citizens of and respond to concerns about the negative impacts of dams and other man-made encroachments in the Fox River and its tributaries.

Since forming, the all-volunteer organization has coordinated more than 18 river cleanups and restoration workdays in Batavia. This Fox River cleanup is being supported by an Illinois EPA SCALE grant.