A clean and healthy environment is critical to the overall health of our waterways and communities. Removing trash and debris from our environment becomes increasingly difficult and expensive the farther it gets from its source. Taking action to remove trash within your community will ensure a swimmable, drinkable, and fishable future for the waters we all share. This clean up is a family-friendly, active event where volunteers will be walking and exercising as they make a positive impact upon the Buck Creek Watershed. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
If you are planning on attending, please rsvp by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page.
EVENT HISTORY
In 2014, Schrems Trout Unlimited, in conjunction with local municipalities, was awarded a grant to assess the water quality in the Buck Creek watershed. Currently, Buck Creek is a cold water resource that continues to be highly threatened because of its urban location. It is rare to find cold water in an urban setting, which is why Friends of Buck Creek and Schrems TU, as well as others like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, have highlighted Buck Creek as a threatened stream in need of protection. However, th grant that was received from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy doesn’t allow for funds to be used for a clean up, which is why Schrems Trout Unlimited and Friends of Buck Creek, in conjunction with the cities of Kentwood, Grandville, Wyoming, as well as our generous sponsors have continued to host this clean up.
EVENT TIMELINE
8:30 AM
– Volunteers arrive at Lemery Park (4050 Byron Center Ave SW) in Wyoming for check-in. Once you are checked in you will choose a team and/or site location to work with for the morning. Locations will vary in terms of difficulty, but there will be family friendly options available. You will receive a map of your section along the creek, along with gloves and garbage collection bags. Each “team” will have one guide/leader for the day who will help answer any questions and provide guidance to volunteers. Coffee and baked goods will be provided by Littlefoot Coffee, Marge’s Donuts and Steenstra’s Dutch Bakery.
9:00 AM
-Final instructions, team photo, and volunteers dismissed to their work sites to begin clean up
11:30am – 12:30pm
– Volunteers are invited to meet at Wedgewood Park (3391 Wilson Ave.) in Grandville where lunch will be provided by Grandville Mayor Steve Maas. (No taxpayer money used).
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING THAT DAY
1. Comfortable shoes or boots (ones that you don’t mind getting wet/dirty!)
2. Layered clothing: long shirt and pants recommended to protect from bug bites and poison ivy
3. Reusable Water Bottle, we are trying to promote zero impact on the creek.
4. Work gloves (if you have a favorite pair)
5. Waders (if you have them)
6. Grabber stick (if you have one)
If you are planning on attending, please rsvp by clicking on the button below.
If you are interested in being a sponsor of this year’s clean up, send us an email at mibuckcreek@gmail.com.
A clean and healthy environment is critical to the overall health of our communities. This clean up is just one part of a multi-step process in assessing, improving, and conserving Buck Creek.
