Join us for our 6th Annual Illinois River Cleanup!
There are 15+ locations you can volunteer at across the watershed in both Arkansas and Oklahoma, including 3 river float cleanups! To volunteer, see the registration form below and request which site(s) you would like to volunteer at. There will be a lunch and raffle held at WOKA Whitewater Park in Oklahoma from 12:30 - 2:00 pm following the cleanups that all volunteers are welcome to join for barbeque and fun prizes!
#1 Tahlequah Creek (Felts Park)
This cleanup is trail and creek based which means you might get wet down in the creek! Bring rubber boots if you have them. Meeting location is at Felts Park located on Basin Ave in Downtown Tahlequah. In partnership with the Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Office and City of Tahlequah.
#2 Oklahoma (TBD)
Details TBD. If you would like to propose a site for this cleanup, please reach out to us.
#3 Float from Lake Frances to WOKA
Float Distance: ~5 miles
Litter will be cleaned up between Gypsy Camp and Canoe private access and WOKA Whitewater Park. A limited number of volunteers are needed. This is a float-based cleanup for experienced boaters only. In partnership with Gypsy Camp and Canoe and Grand River Dam Authority.
#4 Chamber Springs (Chamber Springs Public Access)
This cleanup is land-based at the Chamber Springs Public Access parking lot and shoreline along the Illinois River. This cleanup also includes Chamber Springs Rd. In partnership with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
#5 Sager Creek (James Butts Baseball Fields)
This cleanup is trail and creek based at the James Butts Baseball Fields in Siloam Springs. In partnership with the City of Siloam Springs.
#6 Float from Siloam Springs Kayak Park to the Illinois River Campground
Float Distance: ~3.5 miles
This float cleanup is on the Illinois River between Siloam Springs Kayak Park and the HWY 59 Bridge. In partnership with the Arkansas Canoe Club – Northwest Chapter and Illinois River RV & Campground. Meet-up location is Illinois River RV & Campground. The float will start at the Siloam Springs Kayak Park and end at Illinois River RV and Campground
Gear: no shuttle or boats provided unless requested in advance, bring life jacket, bring water to stay hydrated, wear sun protection and appropriate clothing.
#7 Float from Kincheloe Road River Access to Chamber Springs Public Access
Float Distance: ~3 miles
This float cleanup is on the Illinois River between Kincheloe Road River Access to Chamber Springs Public Access. In Partnership with Arkansas Packraft. Meet-up location is Chamber Springs Public Access. The float will start at the Kincheloe Road River Access and end at Chamber Springs Public Access.
Gear: Participants must have ALL of their own gear and shuttle, including life jacket. Bring water to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and wear appropriate clothing.
#8 Float from Savoy Bridge to HWY 412 Bridge
Float Distance: ~6.8 miles
This float cleanup is on the Illinois River between the Savoy Bridge to the HWY 412 Bridge. In partnership with the Arkansas Canoe Club – Northwest Chapter. Meet-up location is Hwy 412 bridge. The float will start at the Savoy Bridge River Access and end at Hwy 412 bridge.
Gear: Participants must have ALL of their own gear and shuttle, including life jacket. Bring water to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and wear appropriate clothing.
#9 Little Osage Creek in Bentonville (Creekside Park)
This cleanup is trail and creek based which means you might get wet down in the creek! Bring rubber boots if you have them. Meeting location is at Creekside Park in Bentonville. In partnership with Bentonville Parks and Recreation.
#10 Osage Creek in Rogers (Horsebarn Park)
This cleanup is trail and creek based which means you might get wet down in the creek! Bring rubber boots if you have them. Meeting location is at Horsebarn Park in Rogers. In partnership with Rogers Parks and Recreation.
#11 Lake Elmdale (Lake Elmdale Boat Ramp)
This cleanup is land based along the shores of Lake Elmdale. Meeting location is at Lake Elmdale Boat Ramp in Elm Springs. In partnership with Wonderful Waterways and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
#12 Spring Creek (Spring Creek Trailhead)
This cleanup is trail and creek based which means you might get wet down in the creek! Bring rubber boots if you have them. Meeting location is at the Spring Creek Trailhead in Springdale. In partnership with City of Springdale.
#13 Lake Fayetteville (Lake Fayetteville Park and Ozark Natural Science Center)
This cleanup is land based along the shores of Lake Fayetteville. There are two meetup locations (you can arrive at either location) at the Lake Fayetteville Park parking lot and the second site is at the Ozark Natural Science Center Lake Fayetteville location. In partnership with the City of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation and the Ozark Natural Science Center.
#14 Hamestring Creek (Hamestring Creek Trailhead)
This cleanup is trail- and creek-based which means you might get wet down in the creek! Bring rubber boots if you have them. Meeting location is at the Hamestring Creek Trailhead in Fayetteville.
#15 Illinois River in Prairie Grove (Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park)
This cleanup is trail and river based which means you might get wet down in the river! Bring rubber boots if you have them. Meeting location is at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. In partnership with Arkansas State Parks.
#16 Lincoln Lake (Lincoln Lake Parking Lot)
This cleanup is a water and land based cleanup for Lincoln Lake. Meeting location is at Lincoln Lake Parking Lot. In partnership with Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.
No boats provided unless requested in advance. Bring life jacket.
Register below for the cleanup site that calls to you!
Check out how much fun we had during last year’s Annual Illinois River Cleanup!
