debris removed in river cleanup

Volunteers supporting the St. Joseph County Conservation District recovered a sizable amount of debris from the St. Joseph River during Saturday’s cleanup.

The three-plus-mile route started at Jacksonburg Road in Leonidas Township and concluded at M-66.

Event coordinator Shaun Grace said eight tires, portions of a hunting blind, a deteriorating kids pool, several bottles and cans, and an odd assortment of debris were taken from the river.

Nearly two dozen people participated in the event.

Grace said the stretch is a popular route for canoeists and kayakers.

The sixth and final cleanup of the season will take place today, as it is a makeup event for a rainout last month.