Want to cleanup the river?

We are here to provide technical assistance so you feel confident about running a self-led cleanup.

How Do I Run a Cleanup?

  • Identify the cleanup location from one of the sites listed below.

  • Gather supplies:

    • Gloves (optional, but helpful)

    • Trash grabbers (optional, but helpful)

    • Heavy duty trash bags (3-4 per person)

    • Water to keep hydrated and snacks

    • Proper attire based on the weather (hat, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, closed-toed shoes, etc.)

  • You can drop off bagged litter at the IRWP Office in Cave Springs, or simply notify us and we will pick it up from your site.

    Now gather your friends and let’s go get some litter!

Illinois River Watershed Map

Chamber Springs

  • Chamber Springs is an AGFC public access site on the Illinois River. Areas in need of cleanup include litter on and around he parking lot, downstream along the creek bank, and upstream along the creek bank. The field to the NE of the parking lot is private property and there are other areas of private property that should not be trespassed on without landowner permission.

    This site is good for small groups of 4-6 people.

  • Depending on the time of year there are snakes, ticks and other biting insects, and other hazards in this area. You are assuming the risks of these hazards by cleaning up litter in this area.

  • The site is located at https://maps.app.goo.gl/fByaDvLkfx9kK7Jj7

Snavely Bridge

  • This informal access site is a Benton County bridge crossing nearby the NACA wastewater treatment plant on Osage Creek. Litter can be cleaned up on and around the parking area (do not park on the bridge) primarily downstream of the bridge.

    This site is good for 2-4 people.

  • Depending on the time of year there are snakes, ticks and other biting insects, and other hazards in this area. You are assuming the risks of these hazards by cleaning up litter in this area.

  • This site is located at https://maps.app.goo.gl/ou9ysyqpYkEgj1qD9

Clear Creek

  • This is an informal access point to Clear Creek at an ARDOT bridge crossing. There is often a lot of litter directly beneath the bridge and slightly downstream on the gravel bar. There have been times when people appear to have been sleeping under the bridge.

  • Depending on the time of year there are snakes, ticks and other biting insects, and other hazards in this area. You are assuming the risks of these hazards by cleaning up litter in this area.

  • The location of this site is at https://maps.app.goo.gl/kr5vKxzfJZxomLXv8

Acknowledgement of Risks and Release of Liability

By voluntarily participating in cleaning up one of the sites described, you are acknowledging the inherent risks associated with your involvement and by doing so accepting any and all risks. You are agreeing to release the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP), the Board of Directors, and all staff or partners from any and all responsibility and liability from any accident, injury, death, or loss, whatsoever, that may result during or in connection with your participation. This acceptance and release of liability includes, but is not limited to, activities you choose to do such as hiking along the bank of the creek/stream and/or roadway, walking through brush, wading in a flowing stream, or other. You agree to take no action against the released parties because of any error, omission, accident, mishap, negligence or willful misconduct arising out of or in connection with your voluntary use of the information on this page.

Fill out this cleanup form and tell us about your plans! You can also reach out to us with questions.

Our Mission

The Illinois River Watershed Partnership is a non-profit that works to improve the integrity of the Illinois River Watershed through public education, outreach, and implementation of conservation and restoration practices throughout the watershed.