First river cleanup successful

Saturday’s cleanup of a 2 1/2-mile stretch of the St. Joseph River netted about 100 pounds of debris, event organizers estimated.
Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Conservation District, the cleanup was the first of six efforts the agency is staging this summer. Saturday’s event drew 18 people and started at South Railroad Street in Mendon. It concluded at River Run Road in Nottawa Township.
Carolyn Grace, director of the conservation district, said the majority of the garbage consisted of cans and bottles. Volunteers also recovered a partial burn barrel, a large piece of corrugated plastic and a five-gallon bucket.
The next cleanup takes place July 9. It begins at River Run Road and will end at Angevine Road. Organizers said the 2 1/2-mile route is expected to be a relatively easy task because much of the stretch is already maintained by the numerous residents who live along that stretch of the river.
Prospective participants are asked to all 467-6336, ext. 5, to reserve a canoe or kayak.