Volunteer Checklist
1. Register on-line prior to the event. The parent/guardian of each minor (under the age of 18) must register on-line and view/accept the Waiver of Liability Form. Families may register by using one registration form and listing the names of all family members in the comments section. Girl Scout, Boy Scout, American Heritage Girls, 4-H and other groups must register participants individually so that a parent/guardian can view/accept the Waiver of Liability form.
2. Bring a reusable water bottle, gloves, bug spray, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. Dress for the weather.
3. Arrive by 8:00 a.m.
4. Check in with your Site Leader. They will be wearing Pearl Riverkeeper T-shirts and/or hats. Get your trash and recycling bags. Listen to the welcome/safety brief.
5. Clean some river and be safe!!
***6. Take a lot of photos and post them to social media with #PearlRiverCleanSweep or tag @PearlRiverkeeper. PRIZES will be awarded for "Best Overall Photo" and "Weirdest Trash Photo"!
2. Bring a reusable water bottle, gloves, bug spray, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. Dress for the weather.
3. Arrive by 8:00 a.m.
4. Check in with your Site Leader. They will be wearing Pearl Riverkeeper T-shirts and/or hats. Get your trash and recycling bags. Listen to the welcome/safety brief.
5. Clean some river and be safe!!
***6. Take a lot of photos and post them to social media with #PearlRiverCleanSweep or tag @PearlRiverkeeper. PRIZES will be awarded for "Best Overall Photo" and "Weirdest Trash Photo"!
FAQ
Q: When does the cleanup start?
Cleanup locations will begin checking in registered participants at 8:00 a.m. Site Leaders in Pearl Riverkeeper T-shirts and/or hats will be stationed at each cleanup location to hand out trash and recycling bags. Site Leaders will give a welcome/safety brief prior to the cleanup.
Q: How long will the cleanup take?
Finish times will vary depending on location. Most locations will clean up for a few hours and volunteers may leave at any time. Finish time for the water-based cleanup locations will depend on the mileage from Meet-Up Location to Take-Out Location. Contact Pearl Riverkeeper for more information.
Q: How will you inform volunteers of any changes to the event?
Visit the Pearl Riverkeeper Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. The event will be held rain or shine. Some locations may be impacted by river level.
Q: What supplies should I bring?
Pearl Riverkeeper will provide trash bags. Some litter grabbers will be available. Volunteers should bring reusable water bottles and work gloves. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen/hat/insect repellent as desired.
Q: Are kayaks/SUPs available for participants?
Yes, free kayak/SUP rental is available at some locations. You must register prior to the event and make reservations for your kayak/SUP. Pearl River Kayaks is providing kayaks for Upper Pearl locations. Capital City Kayaks has kayaks for Crystal Lake. Honey Island Kayaks has kayaks for the Lower Pearl.
Q: What should I do if I find hazardous waste?
Stay away from 55-gallon drums or five-gallon buckets with intact lids. Report their location to your Site Leader. Do not touch any hazardous waste and notify your Site Leader if you find items such as car batteries, tires, syringes and needles, medical waste, full bottles of disinfectant, chlorine bleach, household cleaners, herbicides, insecticides, or motor oil.
Q: What are the potential hazards of cleaning up river debris?
River debris can have sharp edges so we recommend wearing sturdy gloves or using grabbers for pickup. Avoid river water if you have open wounds or a compromised immune system.
Q: Can I add a site to your list of cleanup locations?
Absolutely. If you know of a public area that needs a cleanup, please contact Pearl Riverkeeper.
Cleanup locations will begin checking in registered participants at 8:00 a.m. Site Leaders in Pearl Riverkeeper T-shirts and/or hats will be stationed at each cleanup location to hand out trash and recycling bags. Site Leaders will give a welcome/safety brief prior to the cleanup.
Q: How long will the cleanup take?
Finish times will vary depending on location. Most locations will clean up for a few hours and volunteers may leave at any time. Finish time for the water-based cleanup locations will depend on the mileage from Meet-Up Location to Take-Out Location. Contact Pearl Riverkeeper for more information.
Q: How will you inform volunteers of any changes to the event?
Visit the Pearl Riverkeeper Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. The event will be held rain or shine. Some locations may be impacted by river level.
Q: What supplies should I bring?
Pearl Riverkeeper will provide trash bags. Some litter grabbers will be available. Volunteers should bring reusable water bottles and work gloves. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring sunscreen/hat/insect repellent as desired.
Q: Are kayaks/SUPs available for participants?
Yes, free kayak/SUP rental is available at some locations. You must register prior to the event and make reservations for your kayak/SUP. Pearl River Kayaks is providing kayaks for Upper Pearl locations. Capital City Kayaks has kayaks for Crystal Lake. Honey Island Kayaks has kayaks for the Lower Pearl.
Q: What should I do if I find hazardous waste?
Stay away from 55-gallon drums or five-gallon buckets with intact lids. Report their location to your Site Leader. Do not touch any hazardous waste and notify your Site Leader if you find items such as car batteries, tires, syringes and needles, medical waste, full bottles of disinfectant, chlorine bleach, household cleaners, herbicides, insecticides, or motor oil.
Q: What are the potential hazards of cleaning up river debris?
River debris can have sharp edges so we recommend wearing sturdy gloves or using grabbers for pickup. Avoid river water if you have open wounds or a compromised immune system.
Q: Can I add a site to your list of cleanup locations?
Absolutely. If you know of a public area that needs a cleanup, please contact Pearl Riverkeeper.
