River Shoreline Cleanup

One of the ways that the Will County Forest Preserve is celebrating Earth Day is by hosting a cleanup event. Earth Day is Monday, April 22. The cleanup will take place along the banks of the Des Plaines River at Rock Run Rookery Preserve on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m. Rock Run Rookery Preserve is located on Youngs Road, south of Route 6/Eames Street in Joliet.

According to earthday.org, on April 22 in 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development. Earth Day is now a global event that happens every year and more than one billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.

Volunteers will pick up trash and debris along the water's edge. Depending on the weather, the kayak launch will be open. If you have your own kayak and would you like to clean up areas that volunteers can't get on foot then bring it along and join in the efforts. Due to the proximity to water and the unpredictable nature of the debris that will be collected, there is an age limit of 14 years of age or older. Registration is required. Sign up by Monday, April 22 by calling 815-722-9470 or register online at Will County Forest Preserve's website.

Last year the Forest Preserve had the same event and they collected eight 40-gallon bags. That isn’t including the items that wouldn’t fit in the garbage bags. You can watch a video that was put together by the Forest Preserve showing the garbage the was collected from the river.

The cleanup areas are off-trail and require walking through rough, uneven terrain. Volunteers should dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended. There will be cleanup instructions and safety equipment that will be provided on the day of the event.

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