Help clean up South Creek! This creek feeds the Vermillion River, a cold prairie river flowing through the heart of Dakota County and an important tributary of the Mississippi River.

Volunteers will meet at Cross of Christ Community Church, a long-time partner for this annual Earth Day cleanup. Lots and fields surrounding the church lead right up to South Creek, giving volunteers plenty of clean-up options. You can pick up trash from the parking lot and other hard surfaces, venture into the grassy areas leading up to the stream, or put on your waterproof boots to pick up litter in the marshy area next to the creek. Volunteers with waders are also needed to clean up stream-side.

Earth Day volunteers will register in the church parking lot, then enjoy a light snack as you learn a little about Lakeville Friends of the Environment and FMR’s Vermillion Stewards program — helping residents learn about the watershed while working to protect and enhance its unique natural resources. 

Bags and gloves will be provided, however if you have a good pair of gloves please do bring them. And for adults who would like to clean up from within the creek, a few pairs of waders will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Afterwards, volunteers are invited to the Lakeville Earth Day Celebration, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light lunch will be provided as well as puppet shows, Blue Thumb workshops on using native plants to improve local water quality and educational stations where you can learn about the environment and win prizes.