Cleanups
Map of Clean-up Sites
This map shows the sites that Friends of the Big Sioux River has organized clean-ups at. Click on each pin to see the name of the site, the total number of volunteers who have worked there, and the total amount of trash in pounds that we have picked up at that site.
Note: measurement the pounds of trash collected began in 2025, so some sites may show that zero pounds have been collected due to missing data.
Our Why & Vision for the Future
When our watershed has excessive litter, it can lead to many values being compromised.
A river surrounded by litter just isn’t as beautiful. When we clean up the area, we make it more appealing and it has a higher chance of staying clean because people feel less inclined to litter in a pristine area.
Aesthetics
Safe Waters for Drinking & Recreation
Litter can leak harmful chemicals, microplastics, and more into the water. This can lead to water not being safe for recreation and require more filtration before it is safe to drink.
Habitat for Aquatic & Terrestrial Life
Litter can pose a threat to the livelihood of animals living in the watershed. Animals may become trapped in the trash or may confuse it for food. Litter can also alter the habitat and make it no longer suitable.
Prevention of Downstream Pollution
By cleaning one area in our watershed, we prevent trash from reaching other parts of the watershed and beyond.