Volunteers are invited to help kick off the summer with a river cleanup. The annual Kentucky River Clean Sweep will take place on Saturday, June 17. Participants will venture out in boats on the Kentucky River to collect trash from the twelve miles of river that touches Fayette County.
For over two decades, new volunteers have joined returning volunteers to spend a day each summer cleaning up the Kentucky River at a family-owned site near the Madison County border off Old Richmond Road that is now the site of a future city park.
River Sweep volunteers should gather at the boat ramp at 8:30 a.m. and arrive no later than 10 a.m. to make sure they have time to go out on the river. Participants will return to shore around noon. Lunch will be provided, along with a River Sweep t-shirt and a giveaway as a thank you for volunteering.
Trash bags, gloves and some life vests will be provided, but volunteers who have life vests should bring their own. Volunteers should wear clothing that can get wet and boots or close-toed shoes. The River Sweep is a rain or shine event, so please dress for the weather.
At least a dozen boats are needed to transport the 80 or so volunteers who dedicate their Saturdays year after year. Participants with extra room on their boats for others are always appreciated!
Volunteers can find directions to the site and register online at lexingtonky.gov/RiverSweep or by calling LexCall at 311 or (859) 425-2255. Participants under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by their parent or guardian. Waivers will be provided at the registration tent on the day of the River Sweep or can be downloaded from the registration website and brought to the event.
The Kentucky River Clean Sweep is sponsored by the City of Lexington and the Kentucky River Authority.
