Des Moines, Iowa:
On Saturday, the Polk Country Conservation Board hosted the 7th annual River Run Garbage Grab to clean up trash and debris along the Des Moines River south of the Saylorville Reservoir. Canoes, kayaks, and motorboats were launched along the river, by volunteers, to scour the banks and sandbars. Throughout the morning hours, boaters braved the beautiful weather and shining sun hoping to bring back the biggest piece of garbage.

Garbage sacks full of trash and canoes piled with everything from tires to rusty drums, were deposited safely into the hands of conservation board staff. Metro Waste Authority provided garbage bags and dumpsters for anything someone was willing to haul out of the river.
Tires appeared to be especially sought after, as one volunteer could be heard cheering for a canoe delivering a pile of metal, paper, and a dirty fat tire.

Though, it did not appear that anything was found as big as the engine block that was hauled out during 2007, the Des Moines River is definitely a cleaner waterway after the great work by Iowa residents.

The river was not the only thing that got a thorough cleaning. Those volunteers that chose to stay on land, walked along the shore and picked up garbage lying near walking and biking trails. Among the trash collected on land was a twin sized mattress, propane tanks, beer cans, and countless coils of fishing line and bait containers.

Many groups were represented at the River Run Garbage Grab ’08. Some of those in attendance were the Izaak Walton League of America, Des Moines Water Works and Central Iowa Anglers. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit, Flotilla 4 of Des Moines Iowa, provided safety and security services which included a patrol vessel and jet skis. Their professionalism was put to the test when a motorboat capsized and the occupants were helped from the water. This effort would not have been made possible without all of the support from the many Iowan sponsors and volunteers.

Later today, a special celebration is being hosted for all of the volunteers involved. Free food, music, and door prizes will be given away at the Simon Estes Amphitheater. The entertainment will be provided by the Des Moines Community Steel Drum Band, Plymouth Church Chancel Choir, and John Stravers and the Big Blue Sky Band.

As an Iowan and American, I would like to personally thank all those involved with this great community service project. Keeping our rivers and trails clean is a small project that every community can contribute to. By spreading the word, the next annual River Run Garbage Grab will be even bigger and more beneficial.

Thank you Iowa.

For more information about the River Run Garbage Grab, visit RiverStewards.org

1. Planting trees

• Trees help to filter out dangerous pollutants from the air, and provide habitat for animals.
• Visit the Arbor Day Foundation and TreeHelp.com for information about planting trees in your area.

2. Testing water and soil

• Water and soil tests can help to identify sources of pollution and keep your family and community healthy.
• Visit Earth Force for water testing information
• Checkout ReeUSDA.gov to find testing stations in your neighborhood

3. River cleanups

• Picking up trash and debris in rivers and streams will help to keep our waterways and sources of drinking water free from pollution.
• Contact your local government to learn which rivers and streams need attention.

4. Recycling programs

• Curbside pickup programs are available in many communities for your convenience. These programs also provide income for your local government keeping property taxes lower.
• If you do not have curbside recycling programs, contact your local waste management to inquire about recycling in your area.

5. Vacant lot cleanup

• Helping to clean vacant lots will keep your neighborhood clean and environmentally friendly. A community effort will make this process fast and painless.

6. Removal of non-native plant species

• Your local Parks and Recreation Department can help you locate plants that are not native to your area.
• Non-native plant species may take over valuable nutrients and water that native species need to survive. Though not all are invasive, many species can destroy the environment more than then help.

7. Beach cleanup

• Keeping your local beaches free from debris provides a safe place for fun and recreation.
• Plants and animals will thrive when their habitats are not being over run by garbage.

8. Preventing erosion

• Fixing areas that are prone to erosion can be remedied by planting root plants, shrubbery, and trees where no foliage is currently growing.
• Locale biologists and scientists can point you in the right direction for locating problem areas and the proper plants to grow.

9. Cleaning of gutters and drains

• Removing trash and debris from gutters and drains helps by not allowing these items to flow into drinking water and rivers. Eventually, local rivers flow into the ocean, carrying debris with them.
• Remove garbage from streets when possible and keep drains free helps to prevent storm drain backup and flooding.

10. Composting

• A compost pile in your backyard is simple to start and maintain.
• Place grass clippings, and yard waste into your compose pile.
• Compost can be used as fertilizer and keeps more matter from entering our landfills.

These are all things each person can get involved with throughout their community to help cleanup the environment, rivers, and oceans. Contact your local government for more information on how you can begin a local environmental service project for your community.