23-04-2025
Cleaning up the Big Sioux River
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Earth Day doesn't end when the clock strikes midnight.
The City of Sioux Falls will host its annual Big Sioux River Cleanup on Saturday.
'We're just asking for volunteers to come and help us to pick up trash and keep the river clean,' Environmental Services Manager Josh Peterson said.
He says the cleanup will include seven locations along the recreation trail.
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'We do the Greenway loop around the city and then the loop that goes out west along Skunk Creek to Legacy Park,' Peterson said.
The event follows last week's Big Sioux Stewardship Summit, where the conversation focused on environmental issues.
'Everybody maybe takes for granted when you turn your tap on you get clean water but there's a lot of effort that goes into it both from where we're collecting water from the wells in the Big Sioux River and the steps you take to get it clean so that it's safe to drink,' Peterson said.
The nonprofit Friends of the Big Sioux River also understands the significance of a clean river.
'It's kind of a symbol of our care for our area, from recreation to economic development, the river is kind of vital for all of that,' Friends of the Big Sioux River Executive Director Travis Entenman said.
Entenman said the organization is hosting a cleanup of its own Saturday, and it extends beyond Sioux Falls.
'We'll have the Sioux Falls event, but we're going to be in Watertown, Brandon, and Canton as well, trying to get multiple communities within the Big Sioux Watershed to help beautify the cities,' Entenman said.
Items, including gloves and trash bags, will be supplied at both events.
'If you come, we'll have you fill out a quick waiver and then you're off to the races, it's kind of choose your own adventure in terms of what you want to pick up,' Entenman said.
All in an effort to clean up the Big Sioux.
The cleanups will take place beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.
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