MRWA Volunteers Conducts Fall Cleanups

Trash is not only unsightly but is a source of pollution to our waterways and a breeding place for mosquitoes. Animals can also become injured or die when they are entrapped in trash. Removing trash from and along our waterways improves water quality.

The Michigan Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Program (VRSCCP) began in 1998. The program provides small grants to local units of government to help implement volunteer cleanup efforts of rivers, streams and creeks to improve the waters in Michigan. This Program is managed by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and administered by the Great Lakes Commission.

The City of Big Rapids received a 2007 grant from the VRSCCP with the purpose of cleaning trash and debris along and in Mitchell Creek within the City Limits. The City and Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA) joined forces and conducted a cleanup of Mitchell Creek on September 18. The MRWA coordinated the volunteer activities.

Fifty-one Ferris students from Cindy Fitzwilliams-Heck’s Nature Study class participated in the cleanup along with twenty-four students and chaperones from Karen Bailey’s fifth and sixth grade classroom from St. Peter’s School.

The students also counted and recorded each piece of trash. Peculiar items found were large parts of a car, a railroad spike, a frying pan, a broken toilet, a bowling ball and bundles of newspapers.

Another cleanup near the Davis Bridge area in Mecosta County was conducted by Morley-Stanwood Girl Scout Troop 1804 (pictured below) led by Trudy Frye. The Troop counted and recorded each piece of trash with cigarette butts being the most numerous items found. One of the areas is a popular “bathroom” spot and discarded wipes were found, along with a number of food and candy wrappers.