Even one hour helps: How to do your part for cleaner Big Sioux River

Got an hour, or two or three, to offer this weekend? Your help could make a big difference for the Big Sioux River.

The city is hosting a cleanup event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday along the greenway.

“Sioux Falls is a river city, and it is vital we take care of this natural resource as best we can,” said Holly Meier, the city’s sustainability coordinator.

“This means picking up any discarded trash or debris that has been deposited along the river trail and nearby grasses and woods. If we don’t pick up this material, it will end up in the waterway. This pollution has repercussions for ecosystem and wildlife health.”

It’s a good opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, spend time with friends, family or co-workers and rally around the river, she added.

“We all want to live in a clean community, and this event helps contribute to that,” Meier said. “This event and the impact the volunteers have help demonstrate the value that Sioux Falls residents place on our environment and natural resources.”

Volunteers have picked up thousands of pounds of trash over the five past Big Sioux River Greenway Cleanups.

“Unfortunately, each year there is new litter or debris to be picked up. Sections of the greenway with the most need can vary. In the past, wooded areas have had a good amount of material to be cleaned up,” Meier said.

Here’s what else you should remember: Research has shown that litter can become a social norm, meaning the more people see of it, the more acceptable it seems to become. That, of course, can lead to even more litter.

“Cleanups can help shift the culture of our community to one where taking care of our environment is the norm,” Meier said.

To volunteer

Last year, more than 250 people volunteered, and the city is hoping for more this year.

“We try to make it as easy as possible for new and returning volunteers to participate,” Meier said.

Volunteers can select which area of the trail they would like to clean up. There are 10 sign-in locations around the greenway. The map to all 10 locations can be found here. Volunteers can arrive at the designated park or shelter sign-in stations anytime between 9 a.m. and noon Saturday.

You’ll sign in, talk with the volunteer coordinator about where to go, receive a map, gloves and bag, and can begin walking along the trail to pick up trash.

“We are not asking volunteers to go into the river or even too near the river for safety reasons,” Meier said.

Meet the woman tasked with making Sioux Falls ‘greener’