Mackinaw River Cleanup

Join Central Illinois Kayaking and Floating and the Friends of EverBloom to help clean up the Mackinaw River. Interested volunteers should meet at 10AM on Saturday July 18 at the Mackinaw Canoe Club launch in rural Carlock (exact location in event link). Rain date Sun. July 19. If the Mackinaw is either too high or too the event will be moved to Lake Evergreen.

The plan is to clean at least 5 miles of the Mackinaw (take out at Parklands Jim Fennis Canoe Launch). Canoes and kayaks will be used for the clean-up. 5 aluminum canoes including life vests and paddles are available to anyone who needs them thanks to a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation and Friends of EverBloom. Please message Chris Sweet ([email protected]) to claim canoe spots in advance. Liability waivers will be required for all participants.

Note that these river cleanups are often somewhat difficult. They will involve pulling trash and tires from the river and loading into boats. Portage (boats and garbage) around at least one big logjam is expected. Expect bugs, mud, garbage, and some fun along the way.
Trash bags will be provided. Recommended gear: sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, drybag for phones, old tennis shoes or closed toe water shoes, and  long quick-dry pants.