April 4, 2013

Volunteers can make a big impact on Kansas waters through annual one-day event

PRATT ­– The City of Wichita will host the 12th Annual River Trash Round Up Saturday, April 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. What began as a way to clean up the Arkansas River prior to the city’s annual Riverfest event, has since evolved into a city-wide project with multiple sponsors, participating organizations, and numerous volunteers.

The clean-up is registered as part of the “National River Cleanup” initiative of American Rivers, a leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams.

“Our volunteers make a real impact in a short period of time,” said City of Wichita environmental specialist Libby Albers. “Previous clean-up events have recovered more than a ton of trash from the Arkansas River and its banks.”

Thanks to the support of event sponsors Cargill, Wichita Ducks Unlimited, the City of Wichita, Spirit Aerosystems and Waste Connections Inc., volunteers need only to bring themselves. Participants will be provided with free transportation to and from clean-up sites, gloves, trash bags, an event t-shirt, as well as a post-cleanup lunch. A packer truck will also be made available to collect bagged-debris and large items gathered by volunteers.

This year, many civic, private and government organizations will be participating in the event, including the Arkansas River Coalition, South Central Neighborhood Association, Sierra Club, various Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and the River City WRAPS program.

Volunteers are asked to meet in the southeast corner of the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium parking lot to check-in and pick up equipment. Participants should plan on getting dirty and dress accordingly – preferably in long pants and sturdy shoes. Canoeist and kayakers are welcome to bring their boats.

For more information, contact Albers at (316) 337-9262 or lalbers@wichita.gov.

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