Thames River Clean Up is celebrating 25 years of stewardship this spring.
Each year, thousands of environmentally concerned volunteers clean up garbage, debris, and anything harmful from the Thames River and tributaries, Avon River included.
This year, there are four spots participants can clean up in Stratford: the Waldie drain, behind the Stratford House of Blessing, the Roadhouse drain, between the Huron Street Shopper’s Drug Mart and Giant Tiger, Cooper Standard Plant Two, and the T.J. Dolan Natural Area.
Organizers recommend that participants dress for the weather and how unpredictable April weather is. Proper footwear will be needed but gloves and garbage bags will be provided.
Additionally, a broken hockey stick or long pole with a hook on the end can be helpful in reaching over banks and up into trees. A wheel barrel can move more garbage than just your hands, and can save some work going back and forth from the river.
The clean up takes place April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. Those interested can sign up on the registration form.
Participants can also win a canoe by filling out the form.
For more information on the Stratford clean up, contact Bonnie Henderson of the civic beautification and environmental awareness committee at [email protected].
