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Clean Streams Day

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1. Who can volunteer?

Individuals of any age (with proper supervision), families, groups and organizations of any type can volunteer. Pre-registration is required.

2. I have young children. Can they participate in clean streams day?

Yes! However, availability of "kid-friendly" segments is limited. These segments are described in the "easy" category on the Pick Your Creek section. We encourage groups with young children to pre-register early for these locations because they are limited. These sections are next to trails, so if parents are not comfortable with their children cleaning in the creek, they can also clean along the banks and trail.

3. Can I bring a whole group of people?

Yes, please do! Scouts, neighbors, church groups, school groups, etc., are all welcome. But please pre-register so we can accommodate you on the best stream segment for your number and abilities. And remember, for those members participating with a group (such as Scouts or a school club), we ask you to check in with your group leader upon arrival; and then the leader will check you in as one group at the registration table.

4. How do I pre-register?

Register online for Clean Streams Day! If you have any questions, call us at 636-477-6600, ext. 1207.

5. The registration form only has room for 15 names. I have more than 15 people in my group. What should I do?

If your group has more than 15 people, please mark the box on the registration form indicating you have more than 15 people in your group. When we receive your registration form, we will contact you for the additional names.

6. On the registration form, why do I have to mark if they are a child or adult?

The registration form has a place to indicate if the registering volunteer is a child or an adult. We provide gloves in two sizes, child and adult, and this helps us know how many gloves of each size to order.

7. How do I decide which creek segment to choose?

You may choose to clean a creek segment that runs through your neighborhood, or next to your school, or perhaps along a trail that you frequently use. Still can't decide? Visit the Pick Your Creek Segment page to see the overall map showing which creek segments are targeted during this clean-up, and then read the category description for each segment to see which one interests you most.

8. I’ve finally decided on the creek segment I want to clean, but the form says it’s unavailable. What does that mean?

We limit the number of volunteers on each segment; when a creek segment has reached its "maximum capacity" for volunteers, we mark that segment as unavailable on the form. By limiting the number of volunteers per segment, we can spread the volunteer effort across more creek mileage for an even bigger clean-up impact watershed-wide. If the segment you have chosen is unavailable, please choose another segment to clean.

9. I’ve never participated in a clean stream day before, what can I expect?

Here's the schedule of events:

• Check in: 8 am (no earlier) at 370 Lakeside Park Corporate Pavilion
• Kick-Off and Safety Talk: 8:30 am
• Clean-Up: 8:30 to 11 am
• Lunch (for volunteers only): Hot dog lunch, with chips and drink

10. What should I expect at check-in?

If you have registered as part of a Scout troop, church organization, or school group, please check in with your group leader only. Then, after your group members have checked in with your group leader, the group leader can approach the check-in table. This will allow for a faster check-in process. If you have registered as an individual or as a family, please go directly to the check-in table and we will mark you on our list. At check-in, we will confirm the number in your group, confirm the creek segment you picked to clean, give you gloves and direct you to your staging area where you will find trash bags for your use. T-shirts will be distributed when volunteers return from cleaning.

11. What should I wear?

Prepare to get dirty! Wear protective clothing, such as long pants and close-toed shoes that won't get sucked off if you step in mud. No flip flops. We will supply simple work gloves, but you may want to bring gloves for the kids in case ours are too big. Bug repellent is recommended.

12. Where do I pick up my free T-shirt?

The free T-shirts are available to all volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis. They will be available for volunteers to pick up after they return from the creek cleaning.

13. If we are checking in at 370 Lakeside Park's Corporate Pavilion, how do we get to the creek to clean it?

The event kick-off is at 370 Lakeside Park at the Corporate Pavilion so we can hand out supplies and provide enough room for team staging. Volunteers are required to provide their own transportation to their assigned creek segment. Don't know how to get to your creek segment? Visit the "Pick Your Creek Segment" page to find your creek locations. Click on your creek segment number and you'll get an aerial map with general directions printed at the bottom.

14. How do we clean the trash out of the creek? What do we do with it?

Each team will be shadowed by a City worker driving a City truck, and you will determine the best locations to consolidate the pulled out trash. You may decide to keep some members on the top of bank, to act as "runners" to take the trash to the consolidation locations. All trash should be loaded into City trucks for proper disposal.

15. Where should I park?

There is plenty of available parking at the parking lot in 370 Lakeside Park east of the Corporate Pavilion.

16. What if it rains?

This is a rain or shine event. However, if severe weather is in the forecast a decision whether or not to hold the event will be made on Friday the day before the event and posted on this website. If the weather is uncertain, you may also call 636-477-6600, ext. 1384, for a pre-recorded message.

17. Where should I park at the creek?

Please take a look at the map for the creek segment number you are cleaning. Parking areas are noted as yellow circles or squares, and are typically located on cul-de-sacs near the creek segments. There will be flyers distributed at check-in for placement on your car dashboard indicating you are parked there while cleaning the creek. One more tip: If there is no trail near your stream, check for a storm sewer drain along the street's curb. These drains are usually close to the stream and a good entry point for easier access.

18. It says free donuts and juice. Where will this be located?

After checking in, volunteers are encouraged to fuel up with free donuts and juice. We will also have bottled water.

19. It says volunteers get a free lunch. What’s for lunch?

Volunteers may enjoy a free hot dog lunch, with chips and a drink starting at 11 am.

20. I cannot volunteer this time. When is the next Clean Stream event?

If you have a group that would like to clean a creek for service hours or for scouting badges, we can help you do that anytime. Please email the Volunteer Coordinator or call 636-279-8207 if you are interested.