The decommissioned Hennepin Canal runs from the Mississippi River in Rock Island, IL, to the Illinois River near Hennepin, IL.
James Marks, President of the non-profit Rock River Development Authority, announces the Annual Volunteer Clean-Up Event along Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Call 825-590-6404 to volunteer. Meet at 12:45 p.m., at Days Inn, 2105 1st Avenue, Rock Falls, IL. Community State Bank of Rock Falls is the event sponsor.
Persons of all ages and service or youth groups are encouraged and welcome to pick up litter and trash, beginning at the mouth of the canal. Cleaning one section–without entering the water–most people will finish by 3:00, in time for the group photo like this one of 2014 volunteers.
Participants are asked to dress for the weather. Wear old or work clothes; long pants; non-sandals; work gloves, if desired. RRDA supplies garbage bags, spikes, and garbage grabbers.
There will be prizes and raffles to add to the fun. In addition, the Conservation Police Lodge brings its traveling Wildlife Education Program to the event. An Illinois Department of Conservation officer will share information about local animals, including fur pelts.
