Volunteers with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy finalized their 2020 clean up schedule with a roadside cleanup on Oct. 18.
Eleven volunteers, led by Joe Niernberger, took to two miles of IL-47 from I-74 to 2500 N. The annual cleanup usually takes about three hours, but due to volunteer turnout, the group fill six 55-gallon bags in two hours.
“(Joe Niernberger’s) dedication is becoming infectious,” USRC President Bruce Colravy said.
Colravy added that most of the trash found in 2020 was what could be expected to find on the side of the road, although in years past, USRC has found a ping pong table, a package of steaks, tires, and money.
“We tell people that we appreciate the donation, but a more secure way to donate is to go to sangamonriver.org and use the secure link there,” he said.
Each year USRC also cleans out an area of the Sangamon River, but tending to the roadside ditches is pre-emptive.
“This roadside ditch drains to the river and much of the trash would end up there. It is much easier to pick it up from the roadside than to fish it out of the river,” Colravy said.
USRC knows that drivers and pedestrians should be aware of what littering does to the environment, so instead of offering their judgement, the group just wants to thank responsible citizens.
“Thank-you very much to those who responsibly dispose of their trash,” he said. “Their efforts are greatly appreciated.”
