The Current Behind the Clean-up
Posted
Over three decades of collaboration, growth and building toward the community event we all know and love—Adopt A River (AAR)! One ordinary stroll formed a small idea by BWL’s former communications director, Mark Nixon, which became a legacy for the community all because he saw a need.
Don’t be fooled by the name, this event is much more than just a river clean-up. Adopt A River is hosted each year by the Lansing Board of Water & Light and Impression 5 Science Center, bringing community and business together toward the shared goal of cleaner spaces in our community.
In the beginning, volunteers would be assigned a portion of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers along the 10.2-mile trail—some brave volunteers even making their way into the river by boat. Over the years with increased participation, we’ve expanded the event to include maintaining pollinator gardens at Impression 5 and giving attention to the City of Lansing’s 11 parks!
Nearly 500 volunteers come out each year clearing literal tons of litter from the banks, rivers, parks and downtown Lansing. We even have many organizations that always return, including: Lansing Common FC, Beekman Center, LEPFA – The Lansing Center, Peckham, Inc., EXIT Realty Home Partners, LCC Student Advocates for Michigan Growth, Mitten Mental Health, UAW Local 602 and UAW Local 4911.
And now we’re back at it again this weekend on Saturday, May 9. Volunteers can check in at Impression 5 Science Center and unless you have an area in mind, you’ll get assigned to a spot and be on your way! Volunteers should bring their own gloves, but we’ll provide trash bags and reusable water bottles to be filled at the BWL water wagon to keep you hydrated. In addition to the community clean-up, you can enjoy a Mother’s Day craft, admission into Impression 5 Science Center, vendors at the environmental fair and a tree giveaway – all free with registration!
This year’s schedule for Adopt A River is as follows:
8:30am – Registration
9-11am – Clean-up
10:30am – 1pm – Brunch & Environmental Fair
Join us this weekend in making Lansing even more beautiful! For more information, visit lbwl.com/aar.