2010 Xstream Cleanup
Saturday, March 27th  
9am to Noon

What is the Xstream Cleanup? 
The Xstream Cleanup is a community-based event focusing on cleaning up waterways and removing invasive plant species in the Louisville and Clarksville area.  This event is spearheaded by Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) and the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD).  Sponsors of this event include Metro Parks, American Commercial Lines, Natural Resource Conservation District, Brightside, Jefferson County Soil Conservation Science, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Clarksville Stormwater Department, and Louisville Nature Center.  Volunteers are needed to lend a hand at several sites.

Who can volunteer?
Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate.  However, some sites will be more appropriate for children and those with limited abilities.  The level of difficulty for each site is indicated in the descriptions below.  All volunteers under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult.

What is expected of volunteers? 
Volunteers will work with hosting organizations to accomplish the goals for their site.  Cleanup sites involve removing garbage (tires, appliances, barrels, plastic bottles, etc.) that is polluting YOUR waterways and YOUR environment.  Volunteers at invasive plant species removal sites will remove Bush Honeysuckle, Winter Creeper and/or Garlic Mustard by pulling the plants out of the ground or cutting them down.  These undesirable plants outcompete native species for light, space, water and nutrients and cause dense thickets that prevent germination and growth of native understories.  All volunteers will be asked to meet at 9am at a specific location—dependent on the site they chose.  Each site will have a coordinator who will go over any safety concerns and provide volunteers with instructions to complete their tasks.

What do volunteers need to bring?

• Water Bottle:  Please bring a refillable water bottle; if you do not have one, site coordinators will have water and small cups. 
• Clothing:  Be sure to dress appropriately!  Wear warm clothes, preferably comfortable layers.  Remember you can always take layers off.  Long pants and closed-toes shoes are a MUST!  You should also wear shoes that can get wet and/or muddy (rubber boots are best!), and you may want to bring an extra set of clothing in case you get really dirty, muddy or wet and need to change before leaving.  If rain is possible you may want to bring rain gear.  
• Equipment:  We have a limited amount of loppers and saws.  If you are working at an invasive plant species removal site, please bring loppers or hand saws if you have them.
• Waiver:  Please print the “general liability form” above.  Read, sign and give it to your site coordinator the morning of the event.  Please date the waiver for the day of the event, 3/27/10.  If any volunteers are under the age of 18 they will need to be accompanied by an adult, who will be required to sign the waiver.  If you forget your waiver, the site coordinator will have extras. 

What is provided?
Gloves, trash bags, shovels, loppers, hand saws, life jackets (if going in a boat) and plenty of water will be provided.  You may bring your own items if you feel more comfortable. 

Weather Cancellation Policy:
In the instance that there is lightening, flooding or high winds, we will cancel the event at the site.  There will be no rain date.
 
Site Locations:
Below are descriptions of each Xstream Cleanup site, with an approximate number of volunteers needed for each site.  Please click on the site location for driving directions.  The levels of difficulty are described below.
Light duty sites:  Best for children and those with limited abilities.  These cleanup sites have relatively small and/or light garbage.  Both invasive removal and cleanup sites are along flat terrain. 
Moderate duty sites:  There is primarily smaller garbage with a few larger items such as tires, light furniture, etc.  Both cleanup and invasive removal sites have terrain that is mostly flat or has small/medium inclines and may have slightly unstable terrain (i.e. rocks, gravel).
Heavy duty sites:  These sites are not good for children or those with limited agilities.  There are large amounts of big/heavy garbage (i.e. barrels, appliances, large tires, etc.) that may need digging out.  Other sites that may be qualified under this heading are those requiring invasive removal or garbage collection on fairly steep banks and/or unstable terrain (i.e. along the rip-rap on a levee).

Please be sure to choose a site that fits your ability.  If you have any questions about the sites, please contact the project coordinator listed below.  For directions and parking locations, click on the location of the site you are interested in.

How do I sign up?
It’s simple! Just click on the “Register On-Line” button below to access the on-line registration form. There you will need to enter your name, contact information, and select your preferred site from the pull down menu.  You will also have the option to sign up for a group, if you choose to organize volunteers from school, church, your family, friends, etc.  If you don’t have access to email, or you have a question related to the cleanup, please feel free to call or email Shanon Reineke of Living Lands & Waters.  Her contact information is as follows:

Shanon Reineke
shanon@livinglandsandwaters.org
(309)236-5627