Annual Operation Clean Stream aims to restore Meramec
Volunteers will scour the banks of the Meramec River and its tributaries Aug. 25-26, picking up trash and repairing flood damage as a part of the annual Operation Clean Stream.
The weekend-long restoration project helps undo damage caused by littering, flooding, and trash dumping in the last year. Volunteers can work on a number of different projects at a various sites along the Meramec, Big, Bourbeuse, Courtois, and Huzzah rivers.
Last year, three thousand volunteers removed 390 cubic yards of trash, 2000 tires, and 50,000 lbs. of metal from the Meramec watershed during hte last weekend in August.
Organizers expect 2500 volunteers of all ages at this year's event. In addition to the annual clean-up and restoration efforts, the weekend will include wildlife displays, water quality demonstrations, and information on native plants.
The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region started Operation Clean Stream in 1967 to help restore the Meramec River watershed from human and natural damage. In the 45 years since, the event has become one of the longest-running river restoration projects in the country.
Volunteers can register in advance to work at various sites along the rivers by phone at 636-451-6090 or online.
