File photo Volunteers Brandon Nielsen, left, and Logan Bellardo return to shore with a haul of garbage during the September 2022 Conewango Creek cleanup.

Volunteers are being sought once again to keep an important Warren County waterway clean.

The annual Conewango Creek Cleanup, organized by the Conewango Creek Watershed Association, is scheduled this Saturday and there’s still plenty to do.

Last year, more than two dozen volunteers managed to remove approximately 270 pounds of metal, tires, plastic and other refuse from Conewango Creek, according to organizers.

Target areas for cleanup efforts include The streambank behind the mall, the area around Beatty-Warren Middle School, Point Park and the Warren Bike Hike trail and Big Four road, according to the watershed association.

Volunteers are asked to gather at the parking lot of Beaty-Warren Middle School on Third Avenue. The cleanup will end at the same location.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and crews will be sent out at 9 a.m., but participants are welcome to participate in any portion of the cleanup. The cleanup will continue until 2 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged at www.conewangocreek.org, or by email at info@conewangocreek.org. Volunteers must sign a waiver and check in and out at the parking lot.

“People feel overwhelmed by the environmental issues we all face,” watershed association Chairperson Elizabeth Dropp said.

“They don’t feel like there is anything they can personally do to help make things better. We are all part of the problems and we all need to be part of the solutions. Even picking up one piece of trash or recycling one bottle makes a difference. Working together we can have a tremendous impact. We are all so used to looking at trash everywhere that we don’t even see it anymore. By helping to cleanup trash and dump sites people learn to see these problem areas, develop more awareness of their own actions, and understand the effort and cost it takes to pick up others’ trash. They begin to be aware of their own part in the problem and become responsible for their own waste.”

“Getting people outside and encouraging them to take care of their surroundings is a virtue that should be instilled in all Americans,” Warren County Conservation District Watershed Specialist Jean gomor said. “It’s important for all of us to have a hand in keeping garbage out of our waterways; even if we’re not the ones who put it there. Being responsible for ourselves is fine, but being responsible for something bigger than ourselves is a greater cause to pursue. Together, we can make a difference on a larger scale than by anything we accomplish alone.”

Participants are asked to be prepared for inclement weather.

“We will be out rain or shine so please dress for the weather,” the release said. “Only stormy weather or high water will cause the event to be canceled or have a delay in the starting time. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Other desired items to bring would be a hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, rain coat, warm layers, water or a refillable water bottle, and snacks as well as any medications, you may need. Gloves and plastic bags will be provided. Be prepared to get wet and muddy. We will provide water and snacks.”

“This is our 15th annual Conewango Cleanup,” Dropp noted. “Over the years we do see the creek getting cleaner and we get thanked by people for it. We also see dumping. We believe we are having a long term positive impact. We need to thank all our volunteers and sponsors for making this happen every year.”