In conjunction with It's Our River Day and in partnership with the Kane County Forest Preserve, Ottawa District is offering the opportunity to participate in a river clean-up. The Fox Rive runs down the heart of our district and touches almost all our communities. This annual cleanup and celebration of the river is a perfect way for Scouts to give back to the community, help the environment, and earn service hours. Help us take care of the Fox River on September 17th for World Clean Up Day. All Scouts, friends and family members are welcomed as we partner with other organizations to protect our waterways.

District volunteers will be on site to help check in, direct, and coordinate efforts. This years event will take place at John J Duerr Forest Preserve. At Shelter 1, we will have a Leave No Trace display were Scouts can learn the 7 Principals of Leave No Trace.

Make sure to bring the following items with you:

• Sturdy closed toe shoes
• Work gloves
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen and bug repellant
• 1 Large garbage bag per person/family

Optional Items could include:

• Long-handled pickers
• Waders and PFD's (Older Scouts might be asked to clean the shoreline and pick things from shallow water.
• Paddlecraft (Older Scouts or units can help clean the shoreline and islands using paddlecraft. All BSA Paddlecraft Safety and Safety Afloat rules need to be followed, as well as all youth and adults must have a current BSA Swimming test and follow guidelines for their ability level.