Saturday, October 18, 2014
Hermann Riverfront Park - Hermann, MO
This was our second time working in Hermann as part of our 2014 Big Muddy Clean Sweep! A two-month, continuous cleanup voyage on the Missouri River from Brunswick to Hermann in September and October. Our final Saturday of the sweep was an all day cleanup affair, with a boat leaving every half hour on mini cleanups. 50 Volunteers took time out of a busy October Saturday to help us remove nearly 4 tons of trash from the river!!
Earlier in the week, we conducted two "Days on the River" with area students, to learn about the river, its history, biology and the importance of clean water. 160 students from Owensville and Hermann arrived at the Hermann River Front to learn about watersheds, riparian buffers, wetland management, stream dynamics and the history and culture surrounding the magnificent Missouri River. Due to bad weather and high water, students visited the Historic Hermann Museum,the Deutschheim State Historic Site and watched a video about Missouri River Relief at the First Bank of Hermann instead of getting out on the river. Special thanks to our partnering presenters at the Gasconade County FSA, SWCD, NRCS, MDC, 4H and MU Extension.
Another round of applause to the principals and teachers that helped get their students to the Missouri River! It would not have been possible without you!
An Art Auction and Mural Unveiling to Benefit Missouri River Relief was held at the McKittrick General Store on Friday, October 17th hosted by Joey Los and The Katy Land Trust. River Murals by artist Billyo O'Donnell were recognized and many local artists up and down the river valley donated art to benefit Missouri River Relief. For a full list of results and the artists, see our webpage here.
We had a great time in the Katy Trail town of McKittrick. McKittrick mayor Joey Los and McKittrick Farmers Mercantile owner Rich Lauer hosted a group of art and river lovers. Joey led a crew of River Relief chefs and conjured up a remarkable spread of locally sourced and wild foraged snacks. Tin Mill Brewing Company, Hermannhof Winery, Bethlehem Valley Vineyards and St. James Winery supplied coolers full of beverages and The Katy Land Trust supported the event.
For sunset we gathered outside at the McKittrick coal tower, which has been plastered with mural-sized banners of two of Billyo O'Donnell's gorgeous Missouri River paintings. Then we headed inside, for wonderful music by Gloria Attoun and friends - and a really great art auction led by Joey Los and Jeff Barrow. Over $4,000 was raised in support of the Missouri River Relief's mission to engage people on the Missouri River.
The 2014 Big Muddy Clean Sweep was a huge success despite many rolling changes, a deep bow of gratitude to all of our Sponsors & partners for helping make our efforts possible. Thank you!
Sorted & Recycled:
108 Bags of Trash
Removed from the town of McKittrick:
Check out the amazing photos on Facebook and Flickr!
Check out our news coverage of the event:
Total Volunteers: 99
Total Trash Tonnage: 3.75 tons!
Groups Participating: Missouri River Relief Crew, Lighthouse Prep Academy (LEAP), Girl Scout Troop #70846, Stream Team 3419 - The Kabul Waterdogs, Stream Team 211 - The Mighty 211, Peggy Menke Stream Team, Project 123
($5,000 and up)
Hulston Family Foundation
Mo. Dept. of Natural Resources
US Fish & Wildlife Service (Ecological Services)
Pat Jones
Patrick and Becky Lynn
Tom and Anne Smith