The LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) Freshwater Stewardship Corps (CFRE FSC) will cohost a communitywide St. Marys River shoreline cleanup on Saturday, July 17, 2021.
Continuing its recognition of World Water Day, CFRE FSC is working with Algoma University and Water Wise (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) to clean the shores of the shared waterway, in conjunction with a Sugar Island cleanup hosted by Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and the Bay Mills Indian Community.
Both sides of the river contribute to the accumulation of trash on the shorelines. Debris and trash affect wildlife that reside on the shores. Participants will clean sites of popular beaches known to have a large amount of trash.
At 9:30 AM, U.S. participants will meet at the LSSU CFRE campus building (Hillside Hall) and split off to two locations. All ages are welcome; minor children must be present with an adult.
Participants have the opportunity to go solo to a desired shoreline throughout the day to clean.
In-person & go-solo participants are encouraged to pre-register with this registration link: https://forms.gle/DcRTbqeEESG6omoT7
Participants who are in-person can share their work through #SaultCleanUp. Participants who go solo can post a picture with #GoSoloClean so that CFRE can highlight the work on social media: lssu_cfre.
For those who cannot join the CFRE FSC shoreline cleanup but want to pitch in, they can volunteer with Bay Mills and MUCC and help clean sites on Sugar Island: https://qrco.de/bcDr0l
Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing, and boots are strongly recommended. For the in-person cleanup, gloves, trash bags and other cleaning materials will be provided. At the end of the cleanup, snack bags will be offered.
“Stewardship is one of our core values and sustainability is part of our strategic plan,” said LSSU President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley. “We make a point to help keep our region environmentally sound and our ecosystems thriving. We encourage as many people as possible to participate in this cleanup effort.”