As the main artery amidst the lakeshore, Platte River is home to a beautiful, fragile ecosystem – inhabited by various fish species, birds, turtles, and mammals. Plastic pollution is a threat to that vital ecosystem. Every item that winds up amidst that beautiful River is bound for the big lake and beyond.
WHAT TO KNOW:
1. Our goal is to cleanup the riverbed while having fun!
2. Everyone & anyone is welcome – some paddling experience required. If you would rather not paddle, come meet us at the Picnic area & then enjoy a cleanup along the bank or down at Platte Point!
3. This will be a Point A to Point B paddle and therefore we encourage you to have a buddy meet you, or we will help coordinate ride shares to ensure all are able to leave a car at our final destination or get a ride back to start upon our arrival!
4. All cleanup materials will be provided
5. All trash we collect will be weighed, counted and categorized with the help of volunteers for Great Lakes plastic pollution research & advocacy efforts to help curb policy!
Date: Saturday, September 14th from 10:00am to Noon
Location: The Platte River! Very rarely do we get to enjoy the bustling river in the summer months – so paddling this time of year, particularly as the colors begin to pop and the population begins to dwindle.
- Drop your Gear: At Platte River Picnic Area Parking Lot across from Riverside Canoe Rental
- Drop your Vehicle: At the Platte Point Parking Area at the very end of Lake Michigan Rd. (~10 minute drive round trip)
- Hitch a Ride: Back to Platte River Picnic Area Parking Lot – Jenny, the Shop Rig, will be making one trip to haul humans back from the Point at 9:50am.
Time: Be ready to launch at the water’s edge by 9:55am
- We recommend leaving a half hour prior, or after, to do car drops or pickups.
- There will be a quick orientation and safety briefing before we enter the water.
Anticipate two hours on the water : )
Weather: Lookin’ good – nice and warm, calm, and just a tiddle cloudy!
WHAT TO BRING:
- Non-motorized watercraft of choice
- Board / Kayak / Canoe
- Paddle
- Life jacket (for all paddlers)
- A SBD National Park Pass or bring a couple bucks for Lake Township to park at Platte Point Beach, our final destination
- A buddy! Anything is always so much more swell with a friend in tow!
- A reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated with provided water refills without the single-use plastic!
See you Saturday, September 14th for an inspiring action on the water!
