Keeping-It-Clean

WEEKLY CLEAN

Weekly Clean is our ongoing watershed cleanup program! Join us every Wednesday from 10:00 am-12:00 pm as we clean up a designated location within the watershed or along the shoreline of Lake St. Clair. 

• Cleanups take place in April through December. There is no clean up the week of Thanksgiving.
• Be mindful of the weather and dress accordingly. Closed-toe shoes are required (unless operating a kayak). 
• We continually update the schedule of clean up locations on our web site. Make sure to check in with this schedule periodically, as sometimes we need to shuffle locations due to unforeseen circumstances.
• For some cleanups, there will be opportunities to kayak parts of the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair and clean up debris while you paddle. Kayaks are always first-come, first-served, or you are welcome to bring your canoe or kayak. Our friends from Simple Adventures and Oakland County Parks will be providing kayaks to support our cleanup efforts.
• If a cleanup specifically says “BYO kayak” it means that no boats will be provided, but there are opportunities to kayak if you have your own and would like to bring it.

WHAT IS STORMWATER?

• We do our best to announce cancellations 24 hours before the event on our website – if unsure, call CRWC office (248)601-0606.
• Weekly Clean will be canceled if the temperature is below 20°F or if conditions are deemed unsafe due to weather.
• Kayak cleanups will be canceled within 24 hours of scheduled start time if the weather forecast predicts that there will be thunderstorms at the time of the event.

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES:

• Leave your phone number on the sign in sheet.
• Do not enter any fast or swift moving water.
• Do not work alone. Use the buddy system.
• Use caution when picking up sharp objects such as glass.
• Do not lift heavy items alone.
• Do not pick up needles unless a “hazardous sharps” container is available.
• Leave all wildlife alone.
• Please respect any equipment that was loaned out for the clean up.
• Be aware of time, and adhere to timeframe of the clean up.

CLEANUP ON LAND:

• Wear a safety vest if near a road or parking lot.
• Do not collect yard waste such as broken limbs, leaves or sticks.
• Use caution on steep river banks.

CLEANING UP IN THE WATER:

• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), and clean up with a partner.
• Never walk, stand, or crawl on woody debris or log jams.
• Know your location in case of an emergency. The Clinton River has location markers.

WHAT TO BRING TO A CRWC CLEANUP:

PERSONAL/SAFETY ITEMS:

• Closed toe shoes (boots always recommended)
• Appropriate clothing for the weather
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Water and snacks
• First aid kit
• Sunglasses or hat
• Cell phone in case of emergencies

OPTIONAL GEAR:

• Work gloves if you would like to use your own
• Kayak, life jacket, and paddle when applicable
• Hand sanitizer
• Dry bag to hold cell phone, keys, or other items that need to stay dry