River Action’s Adopt-a-Path program is working to keep the Quad Cities’ recreational trails clean. The volunteer program is an informal agreement whereby citizens, organizations, local businesses, and student groups help by picking up trash throughout the year. Volunteers, or trail keepers, if you will, adopt ½ mile sections of the Mississippi River Trail in Iowa and Illinois, the Duck Creek Recreational Trail, the Rock River Trail, and the Hennepin Canal Parkway.
Nearly 20 of the 60 miles have been adopted. Volunteers are needed and can get more details by contacting River Action at 563-322-2969 or by email at riveraction@riveraction.org.
It is easy to do:
- Pick up small items of litter along the path.
- The area to be kept clean is the immediate path and buffer areas; don’t go to the water’s edge or into ditches.
- If you find large items, don’t feel you have to pick them up. Give River Action a call, or the community’s parks or public works departments.
- You don’t have to sweep the path or shovel mud or dirt from it. Use your own garbage bags or come to River Action’s office to pick up a supply. We also have gloves.
- Dispose of the collected litter either in a city trash can or at your home. If you have a large number of bags, or extremely heavy ones, give us a call and we will arrange to get them picked up. Try to leave them at a location accessible by car or truck.
- Pick up your section as often as you can. Well-maintained public spaces usually stay that way. Perhaps a guideline would be: at least every two months from the spring to fall. In other words, four or five times a year.
- Occasionally, give us a call, e-mail, or stop into the office and tell us how you or your group are doing.
- Look for your name on the Adopt-a-Path page on the River Action website.
- Any questions, contact the River Action office at 563-322-2969.
A word now about the amazing volunteers, members, and partners who have helped River Action this year—everything from clean-ups, event help, policy and planning meetings. Thank you for your commitment to stewardship, advocacy, and community programming. It helps make our shared RiverWay more equitable, accessible, and vibrant.