Blue River Rescue

 We collected our 4 millionth pound of trash!

This year's effort had the largest participation in Rescue history.  Over 900 volunteers combed the banks of the Blue, removing trash and debris.

The first groups arrived, signed up, grabbed a cup of coffee and a doughnut and were off to the sites before the official start of the event.

Groups and families fanned out along the banks and discovered a bit about why we care for this amazing resource. 

Teams worked along Indian Creek, a major tributary stream to the blue, removing litter before it arrives downstream. 

Equipment was pressed into service to remove cars, appliances and unsightly dumps. 

Canoes floated while volunteers worked to remove tires usually inaccessible to walking crews. 

A crane platform (or part of a bridge) was removed with the help of the largest equipment we've used yet -- a tow truck for 18-wheelers.

Project Blue River Rescue XVi is, literally, in the can!

Put Project Blue River Rescue on your calendars for next year!  We'll keep working on the Blue!

March 31, 2007

Project Blue River Rescue XVII

(Photos by Jerry Kirchner)