Jun 22
6
450 Kids Cleanup the Kenai River!
The Kids Kenai River Spring Cleanup was another huge success! Nearing the end of the school year, on a sunny day, followed by yet another chilly day with snow, approximately 450 students removed 1,318 pounds of trash from the banks of the Kenai River.
In 2022, seven locations were cleaned on May 12th and 13th from Bing’s Landing and Izaak Walton Campground in Sterling, to Soldotna Creek Park, the Soldotna Visitor Center bridge area, Centennial and Swiftwater Park and Campgrounds in Soldotna, and the KPB River Center on Funny River Road.
Redoubt Elementary removed the most litter—a whopping 380 pounds! As the litter pick-up winners, they celebrated with a pizza party. All participants received root beer float supplies.
Over the past eight Spring Cleanup Events, the kids have removed over 18,000 pounds of trash from the Kenai! The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) is pleased to collaborate with Cindy and Mark Glassmaker to coordinate this annual event. Shannon Martin, KRSA Executive Director said, “It takes a willing community to host such large-scale events and we are seeking additional volunteers to join the Cleanup Committee. Please let me know if you would like to join our efforts in 2023.”
Thank you…
Organizers: KRSA, Cindy and Mark Glassmaker
Volunteers: KRSA Staff, the Glassmakers, and Professional Fishing Guides from Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker, City of Soldotna Parks and Recreation Staff
Donations: Fred Meyers Soldotna, Kenai River Professional Guide Association (KRPGA), Janet Warner Avery Family
Special thanks to City of Soldotna and DNR for allowing early location access to the river locations. Thank you to SAFE Kids and Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) for providing life jackets. Most importantly thank you to the students, teachers, and chaperones for their efforts!
Link: Kenai River Spring Cleanup on Facebook
Story contributed by Shannon Martin, KRSA
