DuPage County
River Sweep
The annual DuPage County River Sweep is a county-wide self-coordinated stream cleanup held each spring. The purpose of the one-day event is to encourage volunteer groups to help “sweep our rivers clean” by picking up debris in and along local waterways. The 2023 River Sweep is over, but check back again next spring for information on the 2024 event!
River Sweep Over Time
Over the past 30+ years, more than 14,000 volunteers have removed nearly 300 tons of garbage from DuPage County streams. The first River Sweep was held in 1991. Our Sweep volunteers make a difference right here and right now!
How It Works
Participants register and are assigned to a Community Liaison, who coordinates volunteers to remove litter from a nearby section of river. Streambank restoration activities, such as removing invasive species and planting native species, are available in some areas for those who prefer to keep their feet dry. Supplies and technical support are provided by sponsoring organizations to help communities coordinate their efforts.
Registration
Help us expand the River Sweep to more locations by volunteering to be a Community Liaison or Group Coordinator in an area not listed below. Contact Amy Phillips for how to get started – it’s simple!
Restoration Sites
If picking up trash isn’t your bag, help communities by restoring natural areas near waterways. Please indicate this preference on your registration. Adult supervision is requested for volunteers under age 18.
Participating restoration locations in 2023 included:
City of Itasca
Village of Bolingbrook – Various Locations
Hitchcock Woods Forest Preserve – Lisle
City of Naperville – Various Locations
Village of Westmont – Various Locationst – Various Location
In Your Community
Promote the River Sweep
Share the River Sweep Brochure widely to help spread the word in your community!
Other ways to help include:
- Sharing this page with family and friends
- Promoting the event on your social channels
- Organizing a group to participate in the River Sweep
- Becoming a Community Liaison for your area
- Registering for the River Sweep
Watercraft Training & Rentals
Having fun on the water is a priority and learning to do so safely is paramount. Here are some suggested resources for canoe/kayak training from some of our seasoned volunteers:
Prairie State Canoeists
2023 Sponsors & Partners
Photography by volunteer Nissa Sampson
