St. Joseph County Conservation District's first river cleanup of 2022 set for Saturday
With a washout nearly two weeks ago, volunteers for St. Joseph County Conservation District’s river cleanup will, once again, attempt to conduct the inaugural event of 2022.
Carolyn Grace, executive director of the agency and administrator of the summer 2022 cleanup projects, said the next event takes place Saturday, June 4. The shortest route of the 2022 season, it starts on Nottawa Creek at Rawson’s King Mill County Park in Leonidas Township and concludes on the St. Joseph River at M-66.
Volunteers are asked to arrive by 9:15 a.m. All projects begin at 9:30 a.m. Water, snacks and transportation to and from start points and end points are provided.
“We had our advance crew go down this weekend’s route earlier this week and it’s a good thing they did, because there were some trees down,” Grace said. “They cleared a path so we will be able to pass through without having to portage our kayaks and canoes.”
The route is fewer than three miles, yet Grace said it is a popular, calm and enjoyable float.
A small number of people have confirmed their participation for the first cleanup, Grace said. Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact Grace by midday Friday so an appropriate number of watercraft can be secured. Participants are welcome to use their own watercraft, if they prefer. Grace may be reached at (269) 467-6336, ext. 5.
The scheduled May 21 St. Joseph River cleanup was canceled due to rain.
The agency did not receive a state grant that has helped support the river cleanup program on an annual basis. Bereft of those funds, the agency was aided by about $7,000 from the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners to continue the program.
“Because we don’t have as much money as we’re used to, the thinking for now is to just go with a group from our staff, perhaps, or cancel that one altogether,” Grace said. “No matter what, we have some nice opportunities ahead and I would really like to see if we can get some new faces out this year to come join us.”
Grace said there is an upside to St. Joseph County not receiving the state grant this year. Conservation districts in Branch and Hillsdale counties were first-time recipients and each will stage their first-ever conservation district-sponsored river cleanups later this summer. The Branch County event takes place in late July on the St. Joseph River, Grace said.
Remaining schedule for St. Joseph County river cleanup season:
June 18, Prairie River, Canoe Park in Centreville to Hoshel Road in Lockport Township.
July 23, Rocky River, Null Road in Flowerfield Township to Hank’s Tavern on the River in Three Rivers.
Aug. 29, Portage River, public access site at Portage Lake in Mendon Township to Parkville Road in Park Township.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: St. Joseph County to hold first river cleanup of 2022
