River Cleanup Yields 80 Pounds in Recyclables, 40 Pounds of Garbage

A tire rim and a steel basket were scooped out of the Fox River by volunteers at in Algonquin.

With kayak demonstrations, live music and people joining together to bag waste, the event was geared toward appreciation and maintenance of the water resource.

Cynthia Kanner, who coordinated the event on behalf of Environmental Defenders, characterized the two-hour endeavor as a success and said there has been progress since the first river cleanup four years ago.

"We're seeing a lot less material than we did then," said Kanner, who worked with the village to host the effort. "The village of Algonquin does an amazing job keeping the park clean, and what our groups found today was along the shoreline and probably came from up the river."

Volunteers and staff from both organizations presented information about their efforts, and local Boy Scout troops were among participants.

Katie Parkhurst, senior planner for Algonquin, said the total collection garnered more than 80 pounds of recyclable materials and more than 40 pounds of garbage. Groups met at and were given plastic bags and gloves for the process.

The cleanup initially was scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. but volunteers wrapped up about 3:15 p.m.

Nancy Schietzel, president of Environmental Defenders, and Judy Thorton, a member of the organization, recorded the materials.

Mack Hotterson performed a live concert and Kanner said the goal was to draw interest in the river's edge and encourage more people not only to enjoy it, but also to help preserve it. Picking up litter is vital to the health of the ecosystem, she said.

"Since we started this, we have incorporated other things, like kayaking and music," said Kanner. "This is a celebration of the river, and the more we do with the water, the stronger the connection people have with the river."