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Finding volunteers to clean up parks they can walk or drive to can be challenging, so imagine trying to find volunteers to bring their boats and go out on the river to stop at all the islands in pool two to pick up trash. That is what Hastings Environmental Protectors, Friends of the Mississippi River, Dakota County, Ducks Unlimited and others will be doing on August 28, and they need your help.

The largest need is for people with the flat bottom boats and mud motors to be able to attack each island on the non-channel sides for trash collection. Of course, all boaters are welcome, but those with normal boats will need to stay channel side to avoid getting stuck or damaging their boats. Recreational boaters will likely be asked to ferry bags of trash back to the dumpsters as well as ferrying volunteers if needed.

Co-Organizer Phil Vieth gave a little history on the cleanup efforts. “This is the 5th time we will be doing it. The trash seems to collect in the backwaters after high water. No high water this year but in past years it happened. We haven’t had a cleanup for about five years, so it is time. We will be congregating at Buds landing and the public landing.”

The plan is to gather with the boat owners/captains between 8:00-9:00 a.m. at the boat landing off 13501 Fischer Ave, Hastings. 9:00 a.m. is the call for the other volunteers with the event finishing around 11:30 a.m. or noon when a box lunch will be served.

Remember to bring clothing that can get wet, waders or tall rubber boots, rubber gloves, and your own personal flotation device if you can. A signed waiver will be required to participate. For those under 18 wishing to participate, verify the requirements with Vieth prior to showing up.

For those interested in volunteering, please contact Phil Vieth at 651-437-8536 or 651-485-4782. If you prefer email contact, email [email protected]