When: Saturday, September 18, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 N. Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights
Pre-registration: Ongoing (call 309-686-3360)
Day of Event Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Sweep Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Picnic immediately following at Poplar Lane Park
The annual Illinois River Sweep kicks off Saturday, September 18 in communities up and down the river from Lemont to Grafton. Since 1999, the non-profit organization Friends of the Illinois River has been coordinating this statewide effort to beautify and raise awareness of one of the most unique resources in the Midwest. Illinois River Sweep is an annual event in which thousands of citizens assemble for a day of volunteer action to protect and celebrate our river and natural heritage. In the Peoria area, please pre-register by calling 309-686-3360. Day of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Forest Park Nature Center. Sweep hours at 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. or longer if you’d like.
Since 2003, the Peoria Illinois River Sweep has grown from 10 volunteers to over 250. Since then, more than 400 tires and 500 bags of trash, along with various large items such as couches, bed frames, and even a telephone booth, have been removed from local river banks.
Naturally, this event needs volunteers to make it a success. Volunteers get free commemorative t-shirts (while they last) and protective gloves, along with all other items needed to clean the shores of our river and streams. To volunteer in the Peoria area, contact JD Russell at 686-3360 or arrive at Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights, at 8:30 a.m. on September 18. In other communities, go to www.friendsoftheillinoisriver.org in order to find the closest River Sweep Captain.
Peoria sponsors include Friends of the Illinois River, Peoria Park District, Peoria Mayor’s Litter Committee, Illinois American Water, Trefzger’s Bakery and The Butcher Block.
