Confluence River Clean-up
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, St. Louis, MO
Sat. Sept. 13, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Just north of St. Louis is one of the natural gems of our country, the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Now decared a Conservation Opportunity Area, the bi-state area is home to a growing network of public lands, trails, wetlands and research centers. For more on the resources in the Confluence area, check out the Confluence Greenway website »
This will be our first time returning to clean-up the area since 2005 and we're excited to be back! Much of Columbia Bottom Conservation Area (our clean-up headquarters) was flooded this spring with high water on both big rivers. The area's many wetland pools, recharged by the flood, are now chock full of many species of herons, egrets and other waterfowl and shorebirds. Trash and flood debris are scattered high on and over the banks - a perfect opportunity for a post-flood clean-up!
The clean-up begins at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers are welcome, and will assemble above the boat ramp at beautiful Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.
Boats from Missouri Department of Conservation, the Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Missouri River Relief's own fleet will ferry volunteers to pre-scouted "trashy" areas of the river for clean-up. We'll be covering locations on both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
Clean-up time
9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m., September 13. Show up at 8:30 to register! Boats leave between 9 and 10 a.m. Late arrivals may not get a boat ride.
Clean-up headquarters
Meet above the boat ramp at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. See directions and map below.
What we're doing
Boats will ferry volunteers to the river banks and islands to pick up trash that has washed up on shore.
What you get
Each volunteer will receive a t-shirt, gloves, water, lunch and a boat ride on the Big Muddy.
What to bring
Sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy boots or shoes, long pants (preferred), a reusable water container (to cut down on waste) and a willingness to get down and dirty! If you are bringing children, bring a child's life jacket if you have one!
Directions to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area:
From 270 heading east, take the Riverview Dr. exit (last exit in Missouri before crossing Chain of Rocks Bridge).Take a left (north) and road turns to Columbia Bottom Road. Turn right at the main gate for Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and follow signs to boat ramp. Click here for larger version of the map (pdf) »
This event and River Relief are supported by these wonderful state and local sponsors:
Ameren UE, Americorps, Anheuser-Busch, Bass Pro Shop, BP, Cargill, EarthShare of Missouri, EcoWorks Unlimited, Fred Weber, Inc., Great Rivers Greenway District, Rick Holton, Missouri American Water, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Stream Team, Missouri River Communities Network, National Park Service, Pat Jones, Rivermiles LLC, St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District, St. Louis/Jefferson Solid Waste Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
A BIG, MUDDY THANKS!!!!
