Grab your paddles and eco-friendly spirit, because the cities of Carmel and Noblesville are calling on volunteers for the 31st Annual White River Clean-Up on September 14. This yearly gathering sees folks banding together from 8 a.m. to noon to rid the White River of trash cluttering its waters and banks, making a tangible difference in the community and the environment, as announced by the City of Carmel's recent news release.
For those ready to dive into cleanup mode, a $15 refundable deposit is required for pre-registration, which is a small pledge towards the preservation of our waterways, and that deposit will joyfully be returned to the participants who attend—it's a win-win, really. Registered volunteers dedicating their Sunday morning to the cause will be equipped with everything they need, including canoes for those eager to take on the river and trash bags for the not-so-glamorous but utterly vital task of trash collection, and all volunteers are promised bottled water to stay hydrated through the toil and even a free t-shirt, illustrated in the words of the news release, "while supplies last," as detailed by the City of Carmel.
Participants keen on joining the City of Carmel team are told to check in at Conner Prairie, a landmark jumping-off point that will see them shuttled over to the White River Canoe Company where their nautical clean-up adventure begins, floating their way back to Conner Prairie over the course of two to three hours.
Youths feeling inspired to take part should be accompanied by an adult if they're 16 or under, maintaining that communal effort spirit—and you don't have to call Carmel or Noblesville home to join in, an open invitation to all who hear the call to action and care for the veins of our earth running through our cities.
