The City of Noblesville hosted its annual White River Clean-Up program last Friday with efforts to beautify the amenity’s water and neighboring land. This is the 27th year the city has led a conservation project of the waterway.
The White River Alliance, in cooperation with White River Canoe Company, offered canoes and kayaks to interested volunteers. After being launched from Rusty Oar, groups removed trash from the waterway as they enjoyed their time on the river.
“Our community is a good steward of the environment and the annual clean-up is positively impacting our largest natural amenity,” said Mayor Chris Jensen. “The Free Paddle Days has infused a new energy and connection to the waterway and will hopefully recharge everyone’s commitment to helping us protect the river.”
In addition to the water clean-up efforts, local Cub and Boy Scouts worked to clear invasive species and restore the river bank along the White River Trail.
“This is the second year we’ve had Cub Scout Pack 103 and boy scouts from Troop 103 and 101 serve outdoors to help the city improve the riparian area between the White River and the River Walk Trail south of downtown Noblesville,” said Tim Stottlemyer, Noblesville storm water coordinator and clean-up organizer.
The Scouts and parents cleared the area, which is overgrown with invasive plants that physically and visually obstruct the river and are not good for nature. The city received a grant last year to help manage a volunteer effort to improve this area by removing invasive plants and replace them with healthy native plants.
One easy way for residents to help protect the White River is by taking a Volunteer Service Pledge through indiana.clearchoicescleanwater.org.
“Clear Choices Clean Water is a program designed to increase awareness about how the choices we make impact the health of our streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs,” Stottlemyer said. “By educating individuals about everyday actions and giving them the tools to make behavior changes, Clear Choices Clean Water empowers everyone to do their part for water quality and conservation.”