BY CHRISTINE WOLFF
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Volunteers are needed for the 15th Annual Little Miami Scenic River Challenge, the yearly clean-up of litter and debris. The event -- from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday -- is sponsored by the Cincinnati chapters of the Izaak Walton League of America, the United Canoe Liveries of the Little Miami River, and Cinergy Corp.
Volunteers not interested in canoeing may participate in the Trail Clean-up along the Loveland Bike Trail, starting 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Izaak Walton League Lodge, 544 Branch Hill-Loveland Road, Miami Township.
During past River Challenges, volunteers have collected an average of about 25 tons of litter and about 300 tires during the one-day effort.
People seem to be getting better about not tossing litter into the river and along its shores, said Don Harmon, an event organizer with the Izaak Walton League, a national organization dedicated to defending and protecting woods, water, wildlife, soil and air. "The river is in better shape than years ago," he said. "People are more conscientious. The liveries are very good about reminding people. They give out trash bags and encourage people to pick up what they see."
The river clean-up will cover about 57 miles of the Little Miami, stretching from Greene County through Hamilton County and stopping near Milford in Clermont County, Mr. Harmon said.
The first 500 volunteers to reserve a spot will receive free canoe rental, food and a T-shirt. Each canoe will patrol about 6-8 miles of the river to bring back litter and debris to trash bins at the liveries.
Trips begin from one of six participating canoe rental companies. Reservations are required. If rained out, the event will be rescheduled for June 19.
If you row
To reserve a canoe: Bellbrook (Ohio) Canoe Livery, 937-848-4812; Morgan's Fort Ancient Canoe Livery, 513-932-7658; Little Miami River Excursion Co., Milford, 831-0888; Rivers Edge Canoe, Waynesville, 937-862-4540; Bruce's Loveland Canoe Rental, 683-4611; Scenic River Canoe Excursions, Anderson Township, 831-5552.
