Creek Sweep: One watershed, 3 hours, 38 volunteers, 4,580 pounds of junk!!!
Volunteers worked on and near eight area waterways for three hours Saturday morning during the county’s second annual Dubois County Creek Sweep. A total of 38 volunteers loaded pick-up trucks with over two tons of trash and recycling.
26 volunteers, including families, worked on the ground loading pickup trucks with trash collected from roadsides and waterways. Twelve volunteers in kayaks picked up trash directly from the Patoka River. All trash was taken to the Solid Waste Management District where it was weighed and sorted for proper disposal.
The volunteers ended their productive morning with a drawing of gift certificates donated by local sponsors. Prizes were awarded for the strangest items found, and all participants received a reusable water bottle and a goody bag.
The Creek Sweep was sponsored by the Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District, Dubois County Solid Waste District, and City of Jasper Stormwater Department.
The Rotary Club of Jasper was a new partner to the project in 2017. Rotarians around the world work to provide clean water, and the local club received a grant to assist with keeping our local drinking water sources safe and clean. Jasper Rotarians participated by assisting with trash pickup from local residents who needed assistance with transporting their bulky items.
Anyone interested in future clean up events can contact Judi Brown at the Dubois County Soil and Water Conservation District at 812.482.1171 ext. 3 or judi.brown@in.nacdnet.net or Carla Striegel-Winner at the Dubois County Solid Waste District at 812-482-7865.
Great job, Judi Brown and volunteers!
Yes, agree, but such a shame to be necessary – at least to this extent. Where is the personal responsibility, the mindset of right and wrong, understanding, and consequences, etc? Gone, I’m afraid – where all the flowers have. When will they ever learn? (paraphrased from a song of long-time passing)