OREGON — Volunteers are being sought for the Oregon Area Rock River Sweep on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., covering nine miles of the Rock River from Mud Creek Road to Castle Rock State Park. Volunteers can work on foot or by boat, with gloves, trash bags and water provided. White Pelican Canoe & Kayak Rental will provide a limited number of free canoes and shuttle service. Mel Cozzi, an Oregon City Council member and head of the Sustainability Committee, said volunteers are an important part of the cleanup.
“We really thrive on volunteer help for this event. So that’s a huge resource that we ask our residents and student organizations to come help out with,” Cozzi said.
The cleanup has previously removed tires, animal bones, clothing, furniture and other debris from the river. Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeves and sturdy, closed toe shoes or boots. Registration and liability waivers are required at Kiwanis Park, the Lowden State Park boat landing or the Castle Rock boat landing. The event is sponsored by the City of Oregon, Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department, Oregon Park District, Oregon Fire Protection District, White Pelican Inc., Butitta Automotive and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.