Volunteers to clean up trash along Kansas River in Topeka
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Volunteers with the Friends of the Kaw (FOK) will be gathering on the riverbank in Topeka this weekend to pick up trash and debris in an effort to keep the Kansas River beautiful.
The FOK recently announced its plans to visit the Capital City for its 2nd Annual Together Topeka Cleanup on social media. The group and its volunteers will be on the riverbank from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 on the levee located on the south bank of the river.
Kansas Riverkeeper and Executive Director Dawn Buehler with the FOK told 27 News the organization is hoping for a big turnout this weekend as compared to last year's fall cleanup event which was held on a weeknight. The objective is to not only beautify the river, but to teach people about the importance of the waterway.
"Our intention is to have a cleanup annually in Topeka instead of sporadically," Buehler said. "We hope that over time we can get people down by the river and help connect with it and take care of the trash in our community."
Buehler said by getting people involved in cleanup operations like this, it will help them see why the river needs to be conserved. Even a small group of volunteers can have a big impact on helping to keep the river clear of pollutants.
"All trash is only one windy day away from a Kansas River or stream," Buehler said.
The FOK regularly holds activities like this along the Kansas River throughout the year with some cleanup operations focused on removing specific materials like tires left behind by old bank stabilization projects or invasive plant species. This is being done with the hopes of leaving the river better off for future generations to enjoy.
Buehler said the cleanup project in Topeka will not involve the picking up of trash or debris from any of the nearby homeless camps, mostly located on the north side of the river. She encourages people to come out for the event, even if it's for only 20 minutes, to help make a positive impact on the river in Topeka.
If you plan on attending 2nd Annual Together Topeka Cleanup event, you are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and clothes, bring gloves and water. The FOK will provide extra water, trash bags and gloves for those who need them. You can RSVP by using this link. For more information, send an email to the FOK Director of Programming and Outreach Kim Bellemere at kim.bellemere@kansasriver.org.
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