River Kids

Thanks!

2010-06-04T08:09:00.001-07:00

Thanks for another incredible experience this year...we have a long list of accomplishments to be proud of, including hosting a successful benefit, paddling the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers 9 times, camping on the Mississippi, participation in cleanups and plantings, the creation of many new projects and revival of some old ones...It's been amazing to work with so many talented kids and parents.

I'm proud of all the current 6th graders have done to move River Kids forward during their time. I wish them all well as they move on to secondary school. They are all welcome to come back and work with River Kids at any time in the future! To me they will always be River Kids...Heck, I'm the biggest River Kid of all, so the age cap just keeps getting higher.

I'm also incredibly proud of the new 4th/5th grade members this year who stepped up to every challenge and worked hard to establish themselves. The enthusiasm, intellect and energy abounds in these younger individuals. I know they are absolutely ready to take the reigns of this organization next year and continue to demonstrate that kids are a force to be reckoned with in the fight to preserve and protect our waterways.

As I look forward to upcoming River Kids events, I can't help but feel some excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead. With a new River Kids park in development, a mural in the making, River Kids camp June the World's Largest River Cleanup ever on June 19, a river festival at the Confluence in September, and a dugout canoe on the way, this next year is surely going to be as exciting as ever!

Housekeeping - I have a yellow drawstring bag of belongings (including a Spongebob pillow) left with me after the RK campout...I can't remember who they belong to, so if it sounds like it might be yours, come on by my room and pick it up sometime.

Summer Fun - I will keep in touch with you all over summer. There are already some great cleanup opportunities cropping up. Please plan to join me at the riverfront on June 19 for the largest river cleanup in history. 22 cities up and down the Mississippi will be coordinating their efforts. Plus, our great friends from Living Lands and Waters will be heading up the effort. We always have a blast with them! We're thinking about camping out after the cleanup. I'll keep the chatter rolling on that one. We'll see what we can arrange depending on who's interested.

Board Members - Though current Board Members are invited to maintain a connection with River Kids upon entering secondary school, there will be many vacancies on the River Kids Board that will need to be filled. All River Kids who were members this year are now eligible to volunteer for the Board. The RK Board meets about one extra time per month on top of the regular meetings. It can mean that RK becomes an even more substantial time obligation, but the rewards are numerous. The Board is where many of the projects are developed and major decisions about the organization are made. If your River Kid wants to be on the Board, all they need to do is communicate that desire to me, and plan to meet in late August before school starts. We will likely have a Board Retreat (perhaps a day trip or overnight paddle) to get things rolling at that time. I will announce more info as we get closer to that time.

Happy summer! Keep in touch...I love to hear about summer adventures. I'll certainly invite you all to come create some summer adventures along the way with River Kids.

See you all soon!

Ben

Pics

2010-05-21T21:26:00.001-07:00

I'm collecting photos from the year...if you have any pics that you think I ought to keep in the RK archives from this year (or previous for that matter) please send them my way. I'd love to put together a rockin' slideshow for the party on Saturday...

Also, a long time ago I tossed the idea of going in on an end-of-the-year thank you for Mike Clark. While he does get paid for his time with us, he gives us a HUGE discount simply because he is who he is, and he loves what we are doing. He won't let me pay more, but he would have to accept a gift.

So, if you are interested in donating some cash for the "Mike's A River Kid Hero" fund, please stop by my room in the next couple days...I'll present the offering to Mike on Saturday.

Ben

RK Party Reminder

2010-05-19T15:29:00.001-07:00

The RK Party is on for this Saturday at the Cassilly's House. Right now I have about 50 RSVPs...Is there anyone else who forgot to RSVP? Last chance...

NOTE - There will be a special presentation in honor of the graduating River Kids and an additional surprise announcement!

Reminder on the details:

Email me for details on the party's location.

From Giovanna:

Driveway is at the corner of Riverview and South Chambers Rd. It does sneak up quick.

Please carpool if possible.

Park cars along the grass next to the mail box.

It is also Dylan's B-day...If any one would like to bring a birthday gift, we ask that they contribute to the River Kids on behalf of his 10th birthday.

No need to bring anything other than bathing suit, change of clothes, towel, sunblock, swimming goggles or pool toys.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Ben

RK Summer Opportunities

2010-05-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Two great opportunities have been tossed at us.

June 4 - Last day of school - Anheuser-Busch is hosting a World Environment Day...they want us to host a booth there. They really like what we are up to and think others should hear about it. I am checking into timing...this may not be possible on our last day. I'll keep you posted.

June 19 - World's LARGEST RIVER CLEANUP EVER! Mark you calendars...I'll be asking for RSVPs soon, so check and see if you can be involved!

Ben

School Picnic

2010-05-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

I announced in a previous email that River Kids will be hosting a booth at the School Picnic on June 1. The picnic runs from 4-7pm. I've attached a copy of the sign-up sheet that will be hung outside my door today.

We do need at least 2 volunteers for each time slot. You may sign up for more than one slot. Parents may also sign up to help if you so desire.

Note - In case it helps you avoid a conflict, know that the 6th grade rock band PXB is playing at 5pm. The 5th grade is stepping at 5:15. Concert band is playing at 5:30. The Driffin awards ceremony is at 6pm.

Also, 6th graders have been asked to volunteer selling food before. I assume that will happen again.

Take care...see you soon!

Ben

View attached file here.

School Picnic

2010-05-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

Good news! At the last Board meeting, Peter Hamilton suggested that since we didn't get to host our Earth Day booth, perhaps we should host a booth at the school picnic. Peter wrote the organizers and they approved of the idea. So we will be putting up our stream table and a beading activity for picnic goers.

We will be looking for River Kids to work at the booth during the picnic. We'll keep the shifts short so everyone will get the chance to enjoy the picnic.

I'll have a sign-up sheet at our last meeting May 21...

Way to go River Kids!

Ben

RK Party

2010-05-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

The RK Party is for RK FAMILIES, not just the kids!

Also, RSVP to me with the number of folks you are bringing by May 15.

Thanks!

Ben

Pics from the RK Camping Trip

2010-05-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from this weekend...after all the weather hype Friday, it wound up being one of the most beautiful weekends yet...the storms stayed clear of us until about 11:15pm...by then we were happily lying in our tents; the sound of the rains and the river lulling us to sleep...

I'm sorry not everyone could make it on this outing...I hope the weekend went well for all!

Details about the RK End of the Year Party coming soon...

Ben

Camping Updates

2010-05-01T09:51:00.001-07:00

The trip is definitely on...I know a few of you are concerned about the weather reports...I am reading that there will be storms tonight, a mostly cloudy day most of tomorrow with a chance of storms, possible thunder storms, later on in the day...50% chance of rain. This does not alarm me...we will be prepared to deal with these conditions.

In the event that weather conditions do become dangerous during the trip, we will watch radar closely, listen to reports, and then evacuate to North Riverfront Park (where we will have a van) and head to Betsy Tribble's (river guide) house right across the road.

MAKE SURE YOU SEND PROPER RAIN GEAR...INCLUDING WATERPROOF BOOTS.

I have heard that I am taking Cody and possibly Alex in the morning...

Julie Stone is driving also...we can fit everyone. I just need to know who's meeting us, so we don't leave anyone behind. Please let me know if you are meeting us there.

I understand Ky may need to be picked up at 2pm...anyone else meeting us at the midday rendez-vous?

Any other questions?

Ben

Camping

2010-04-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Yup...it's long. But there's a ton of VERY important information locked up in this bad boy. So please grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and read carefully and thoroughly. :)

If you have not replied to my email about the camping trip this weekend, please reply as soon as possible. I need to have a final number by tomorrow (Wednesday) in order to finalize the details of the trip.

If your child is NOT attending (and if you haven't already done so), please send me an email saying that your River Kid is NOT going. This will help me figure out numbers as well.

I also need to know exactly who is planning on coming late. I've heard that there is some secondary school testing and perhaps some baseball going on Saturday morning. I am willing to work out a meeting location where those kids can join the trip, but I need to know for sure who needs this to happen and the earliest time each person could make it to North Riverfront Park (by Mosenthein Island).

Assuming numbers do not change much from here on, Mike and I have worked out a tentative plan for what could be one of the most amazing river trips possible. Here is the tentative plan for those who need some more detail right now:

I will meet everyone who wants a ride at NCS at 8am on Saturday. (I will secure a bus if necessary, but again, I need to know numbers.) We will drive to Columbia Bottoms where we will meet up with Mike, pack all the gear into the canoes and set off. We will paddle to Duck Island (where we have sent substantial time cleaning this year) and enjoy some hiking and
exploration. We will then paddle on down river. (We could pick folks up at the Columbia Bottoms kayak access here if timing fits.)

The river is high enough that the Chain of Rocks rapids are not rapids, but flatwater...so we will paddle right on down to Mosenthein Island. (This is the second option for pickup for latecomers.) Once we've connected with latecomers (if necessary), we will proceed to the east side of Mosenthein Island to our campsite. We'll set up camp and then explore Mosenthein until dinner time.

We'll wake up, explore, eat breakfast, spend a little more time on Mosenthein, then paddle across to our take out at North Riverfront Park.

We will take care of all group camping/paddling gear. However, each child must bring the following personal gear:

Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
2 full changes of clothing
Outer layer - jacket/coat (nighttime temps will be around 60)
Rain wear
Waterproof boots for paddling
Dry Shoes for land
Hat
Head lamp
Water bottle (unbreakable)
Lunch/Snacks for Saturday
Optional entertainment - frisbee, ball, book, sketchpad, etc.

NOTE - For one night, toiletries are not necessary. Of course if there's anyone who really feels they need them, that's fine.

All personal gear should be packed in a dry bag and MARKED IN SOME RECOGNIZABLE WAY...tying a bandana or placing a sticker can make it easy to spot your bag in a pile of 15 RK bags.

I have dry bags for loan or purchase ($18) in the Performing Arts room.

Weather looks reasonably good. Forecast suggests isolated showers, but sun in between...highs in the upper 70's. I will have access to weather radar and reports at all times via cell phone.

I will have access to email and calls as well in case you need to contact us for any reason.

If numbers grow much beyond what they are right now, I would love to have an additional adult paddler or two join the outing. If you are interested in coming along, please let me know.

FOOD - We will have a basic camp food menu, with the regular hot dogs and s'mores, cold cuts and chips, etc...as well as some vegetarian options. However, if you have any special dietary needs that we should address, please sent them my way pronto...we'll make sure everyone eats and eats well!

Questions? Anything I should include in my sequel?

Ben

Permission For Camping

2010-04-26T10:46:00.001-07:00

It's almost River Time!

Here's the waiver for the camping/floating trip this weekend. Please fill out this form and return a hard copy to me by Saturday morning.

I will send out an informational email with more details, but please reply to this email offering your permission for your child to attend the trip. I need to collect numbers ASAP for Mike:

I give _________________ permission to participate in the River Kids Camping/Canoeing Trip on Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2. I understand that my child will be paddling Saturday morning from Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area down river to Duck Island where he/she will camp overnight. I understand, the group will paddle to the kayak access ramp the next day and return to NCS for pickup in the afternoon.

Parent e-Signature:_______________________

Earth Day and the Weather

2010-04-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

After a lot of looking at radar and listening to weather predictions for today, I've decided that we should not participate today in the Earth Day Festival. I just can't imagine anything good coming from standing around in cold, windy, wet conditions all day with no way to get out of the elements. To me that sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Beyond the safety and comfort issues, I believe attendance at the Festival will be very low. It doesn't seem worth all the energy, effort, discomfort and risk to present to the few folks who attend in spite of the conditions.

So stay home today, and stay healthy and dry. There will be other Earth Days!

See you all soon!

Ben

Earth Day

2010-04-21T14:48:00.001-07:00

Please do stop by my room and sign up for a shift at Earth Day this weekend...right now, there are only two folks signed up...I'll have lots of

snacks to eat. :)

Ben

TED Talk with 12-Year-Old Author

2010-04-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

I told the River Kids about this 12-year-old author and her speech about valuing kids' perspectives and contributions...it's worth the 8 minutes it takes to watch.

Ben

http://www.ted.com/talks/adora_svitak.html

RK Earth Day

2010-04-19T09:18:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

First, before I forget to mention it...at one point there was a paddling trip scheduled with Mike Clark for April 24...that trip is canceled in light of Earth Day and the camping trip being moved to May 1-2.

Second, though some of the 4th graders had baseball practice and had to miss out on some of the fun, many of us spent Friday doing very Earth-friendly activities around NCS...We planted some trees, weeded the green roof, and organized gear for our Earth Day presentations coming up this weekend...As
much as we need to be sitting around planning our projects at times (much to the chagrin of the more active portion of our crew - me included), it was certainly nice to be moving about taking action!

Third, all the juicy Earth Day details:

While Earth Day is officially April 22, the St. Louis Earth Day Festival is this coming Sunday, April 25. Weather permitting, there will be some 2000-3000 people in Forest Park enjoying the Festival!

River Kids is, for its 5th year in a row, hosting its very own educational booth where our kids will use a stream table and other activities to grab the attention of passers-by and hopefully open some eyes to the major issues facing our rivers today.

Did you know that approximately 50 times per year, the River des Peres reaches levels high enough that raw sewage flows freely into the river and down to the Mississippi...

That's the kind of information that our kids will pass on to their audience as they present on the factors affecting the health of our local waterways.

In addition to running stream table presentations, the kids will be selling merchandise and talking with festival-goers at our information table or around our beading table - where participants may create a necklace with 100 beads, each representing 1% of the Earth's water...97 green and blue for
salt water, 2 clear for freshwater trapped in ice caps, and one silver representing the precious freshwater that isn't frozen.

The festival is open to the public from 11am-6pm...Rachel Stone set up the attached sign up sheet - I'm sending it for your viewing. I will hang the actual sheet just outside the door to the PA room...Please stop by and sign up officially on that sheet. (That way you will also be able to see where there are empty slots.

NOTE - All-day volunteers are certainly welcome (both parents and children). You may also stay for longer than a shift indicates...Basically, if it feels crowded, some people simply take a break and enjoy the festival for a little while. I've never felt there were too many people at the booth helping!

CRUCIAL DETAILS:

- Kids may be dropped off to work...however, you MUST accompany them to the booth and pick them up from the booth. The crowds are just too big and security too light for me to trust sending a kid in or out on their own. I must also be given a current CELL PHONE NUMBER to call in case of emergency.
- RK will have a water cooler on site and cups. It would be best if kids BRING A WATER BOTTLE, instead of using up several cups.
- If there's a parent willing to bring a cooler or bag of snacks, please let me know. Not necessary, but can be fun to have around.
- Please plan for your child's lunch by either sending lunch or planning to buy lunch. (Note - With parent permission, I will send a child with a friend to the food vendors nearby if you send money. (If I haven't heard from a parent, I will not allow any child to leave the booth area except to go to the bathroom.)
- SUNSCREEN - enough said.
- Kids should WEAR RK T-shirts or NCS Green Roof T-shirts and any other RK gear they would like to wear.
- YOUNGER SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME to come help at the booth. They can help out at the stream table or beading table or just wave and smile.

PARKING - is often TERRIBLE the day of the event. Cars are not allowed in after 10am, so You should plan to arrive a half-hour early in order to park and walk to the booth.

A map of the festival is attached...we are in the NATURE NEIGHBORHOOD and will be setting up in sites 10 and 11. (In general, we are across the circle dive from the front of the MUNY on the large grassy field.)

You may find out more general information on the Festival at
stlouisearthday.org

So after you've read all the details, please stop by the PA room and sign up for a shift. Though I know there are always lots of other things to do on a Sunday, this is a big deal for RK and we hope every member will show up for at least an hour or two...

Please feel free to email me with any questions you might have about this event.

Thanks a ton! Rock on River Kids!

Ben

RK Schedule - Latest Edition

2010-04-07T16:50:00.001-07:00

Here are the remaining River Kids meetings and events for the year:

General RK Meetings:

April 16 - Dedicated to Preparing for Earth Day
May 7 - Cancelled (I'm in Memphis with 5th Grade)

Board Meetings:

April 30 - Final Board Meeting

Mike Clark Trips

May 1-2 - RK Campout with Mike Clark (for all RK members)

Additional Dates:

April 25 Earth Day in Forest Park
May 22 RK Family Party

If you prefer a linear approach:

Friday, April 16 - General Meeting to prepare for Earth Day
Sunday, April 25 - Earth Day in Forest Park
Friday, April 30 - Final Board Meeting
Saturday-Sun, May 1-2 - RK Campout
May 22 - End of the Year Party at the Cassilly's House

Please keep in mind that there are cleanups that will pop up. I will
announce those dates as I hear of them.

Also, I will send out additional info on Earth Day as well as the RK Party
soon.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Ben

--
Jack Biggs

Extra Trees

2010-04-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

Apparently, though there was a great effort on Saturday to help out at the Trash Bash, there were few volunteers at the U-City tree planting over at Mona Terrace on Sunday.

I'm wondering if there's anyone who might like to go out there this Sunday and put some of the remaining trees in the ground??????????? If so, I'll tell Linda Fried that we'd like to save the day and keep 300 trees from going to waste! Anyone game?????

Ben

Hi

We've gotten through possibly 1/2 of the 600+ plants we ordered: not many volunteers (other than Theo, Leslie and Suzanne), one washed out Sunday, maybe too many ordered. At any rate, Theresa is leaving town tomorrow and I just can't give too much more time to this - not before the end of April. SO: Any suggestions about what to do with the extra plants? Could Deer Creek use them? Any other sites you can think of?

I can heel in some of them at the Vernon nursery for a later date. I can also offer them to the U.City Forestry head, although I'm not sure he can use them.

Please let me know what you think ASAP.

Linda

Results from the Trash Bash

2010-04-03T09:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all you incredible folks who made it out to the Trash Bash last
weekend! Attached is an email with all the results of the cleanup...40+
TONS OF TRASH!!!!

Also, sorry I wound up missing out on the fun...Jaime has fully recovered
and I'm hoping that's our last trip to ER for a WHILE! (For those of you who
didn't know, she got dehydrated as the result of having a severe stomach flu
and we spent that day at Barnes...yuck!)

See you all soon!

Ben

Trash Totals: 40.9 tons of trash and scrap.

What a great number! I am waiting for a tire number from Mitch so this is not the "final" number. Please review and let me know if what I have is the same as what you reported. Great job everyone! I feel like celebrating! Talk to you soon.

Dona

Cleanup Tomorrow

2010-03-26T23:45:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

I hope break has gone well for all of you!

As of right now, I've only heard from Alex P., Gerald M., and the Fee family regarding the cleanup tomorrow. I'm sure some of you are out of town, but if you're around please consider joining me tomorrow. For the past 3 years, River Kids has been able to provide at least 10-15 volunteers, and I'd love for our tradition to continue.

The cleanup runs from 8:30am-12pm with lunch provided for all volunteers. In addition, there are prizes (usually gear from REI) being given away for interesting items found at the cleanup.

All ages are welcome!

Also, Alex and Gerald are the only ones who have signed up to paddle with Mike Clark...If "sunny, 63 degrees, and paddling the Mighty Miss" sounds like a great way to end your break simply email me to let me know how many you're planning on sending...

I will gladly take any kids who do not have transportation to the event. I can even pick someone up if necessary...just let me know.

I hope to see some more of you out there tomorrow!

Take it easy!

Ben

River Time!

2010-03-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

For those of you in town looking to get in some river time, there are two major ways to get involved this coming weekend. Please take a look at the details and let me know if you will be at either or both. A quick email will suffice.

On Saturday, March 27, one of the biggest cleanups in the region is being hosted up at the Confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Missouri River Relief, Trailnet, Confluence Greenway and many more organizations are teaming up to bring out the masses for their annual Trash Bash. If the weather is good, there are likely to be more then 500 people out cleaning the banks of the two biggest rivers around. Last year the weather was horrible, and there were still more than 300 volunteers braving the elements!

By the way, thanks to the organizers and the people involved, this cleanup is always not only one of the biggest, but one of the most fun for all!

River Kids is registered as a volunteer group, so if you would like to take part in this cleanup, check out the details and plan to come join me for the morning. I will be at the Old Chain of Rock Bridge site, but there's a Creve Coeur site as well if that's easier for some of you. Here are the details:

Prepare to get wet and dirty, have some fun and meet other environmentally conscience individuals at the Confluence Trash Bash, one of the region's biggest river clean-ups.

Volunteers will meet on Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00p.m. at your choice of starting sites:

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

10950 Riverview Drive

St. Louis, MO 63137

Creve Coeur Park

2143 Creve Coeur Mill Road

St. Louis, MO 63146

The Trash Bash will end with lunch and prizes at noon at both locations.

Also - River Kids are set to paddle with Mike Clark this day. Any River Kids and family members will be allowed to paddle (Ages 7+) as long as all permission forms are completed and turned in that morning. I will send a separate email with permission forms and more information on the paddling.

The second way to get involved is to come join the River des Peres Watershed Coalition at Mona Terrace (where we removed oodles of honeysuckle in the fall) for a native planting session on Sunday, March 28...if cleaning rivers isn't your thing, or if you've got more to give after Saturday, please come out and help this wonderful group place over 600 new plants in the ground. If you have been to this site before, but haven't gone lately, you'll be amazed at how much it has changed - for the better - thanks to the dedicated volunteers who keep showing up. Here are the details on Sunday's event:

The River des Pères Watershed Coalition

invites you to help out this spring at

Mona Terrace in University City

Native Plant Restoration

Sunday, March 28, 2010

From 12:00-3:00

* Open to the public

* Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

* Dress for the weather.

* Boots needed if entering water.

* Gloves will be provided

Directions:

From I-170 : about one mile east on Olive St. Rd. to Groby

or...

From North and South Ave. about ¼ mile west on Olive St. Rd. to Groby

Then south on Groby about two blocks to the bridge over The River des Pères at Mona

I hope Spring Break has been a break for you all...Let's hope for some more of last week's weather soon!

Ben

Paddling with Mike

2010-03-21T14:15:00.001-07:00

It's time for another paddling adventure with Mike Clark! This trip coincides with the Trash Bash at the Confluence. We will be leaving from Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area this time and paddling across to Duck Island where we will spend the morning making piles of trash to be collected later by the large skiffs of MO River Relief.

You do NOT need to paddle to come to the Trash Bash, but if you are interested in paddling, I will need a signed waiver (attached) and an email reply to this permission form indicating you plan to participate.

For all those planning to paddle with Mike Clark on March 27, please read the following:

Details - We will meet at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge by 8:15am where we will register for the Trash Bash event and meet Mike Clark. We will then travel to our put in at Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area with Mike Clark.

Any River Kids needing transportation to and from the event should contact Ben.

We will take out at Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area around noon and return to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Parking Lot for lunch.

The event ends at 2pm.

Weather is highly unpredictable in March, thus all participants should watch local weather predictions for the Confluence region and come prepared. The only thing that will prevent us from paddling will be high water conditions. Mike and Ben will make the decision to cancel if necessary and Ben will send out an email by 6am on Saturday at the latest.

Lunch will be provided.

Paddlers should bring a water bottle, change of clothes, and towel, as well as snacks if so desired - all packed in a dry bag. (Borrow or buy from Ben.)

I am aware of all the details, and I give permission for ___________________ to attend the paddling trip on March 27 with River Kids and Mike Clark.

E-Signature _________________________

Emergency Phone Number 1 - _______________________ Backup Phone Number - _______________________

Thanks!

Ben

Download attached file here.

Cleanup Season is Upon Us

2010-03-07T13:42:00.001-08:00

Hey all,

There will be a number of cleanups that start popping up all spring long...You already know about the one on March 27 at the Old Chain of Rocks, but here are a couple more...attached you'll find some dates from River des Peres Watershed Coalition, with whom we've worked closely these past few years.

Please come join them if you are able!

Ben

View attached file here.

Confluence Trash Bash - March 27

2010-03-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am aware that some of us will not be around to participate, but if you are and would like to attend the biggest annual river cleanup in the area, see the attached flyer and mark your calendar.

Mike Clark will be taking River Kids families out to Duck Island. If you're interested in paddling, you can join the fun that day...we'll go rain or shine as long as the river doesn't rise.
If you just want to clean on land, there will be numerous guides taking people out to various locations that have been scouted, including North Riverfront Park again.

I'll send a reminder when we get closer with permission slips and such for paddlers. Just wanted to give you the chance to consider it now...

Ben

View attached file here.

A Successful Polar Bear Pickup

2010-02-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather folks vastly underestimated the River Kids karma...it was a simply amazing day. The sun stayed out, the temp stayed up, and approximately 75 volunteers worked together over the course of the day to clean up a huge section of North Riverfront Park...Overall, the event was an absolute success.

Thank you to everyone who showed up! Given our numbers and the amount of trash we were able to pickup, the Polar Bear Pickup has established itself as the 4th biggest annual cleanup in the entire St. Louis Region...an impressive accomplishment no doubt!

Special thanks to Kylar Kennedy and the Polar Bear Pickup Committee for their leadership on this project. Without their vision and effort, it wouldn't have come together the way it did.

Take care!

Ben

Polar Bear Pickup This Weekend

2010-02-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

This is a reminder to some of you and news to others. The River Kids are hosting a winter river cleanup along the Mississippi River at North Riverfront Park THIS SATURDAY! You'll find a flyer attached with more of the details.

I've added a few of you to this particular mailing in hopes that at the very least you will find what the River Kids are doing this weekend interesting. And at most, I'm hoping you might want to join in and bring a few friends.

If you do want to attend and eat lunch, please send an email to River Kids at riverkids@newcityschool.org to let them know how many folks you are bringing and how many will be eating lunch. Catering is by Orlando's and Ces and Judy's.

Spread the word!

See some of you soon!

Ben Griffiths
River Kids