A few tips if you decide to do your own wetland cleanup:

• Make a plan.
• Ask local naturalists for advice about the best time to do a cleanup. You don’t want to interfere with the animals that nest in the wetland.
• Work with an adult to plan a safe event. Know what you are going to be doing and how to do it safely.
• Plan enough jobs for everyone and have all the materials you need on-hand—garbage bags, work gloves, rakes, shovels, etc.
• Make sure everyone knows to check with an adult if they find anything unusual (shopping carts, old paint cans, needles etc.).
• How will you dispose of the garbage after your cleanup? If it is on school grounds, check with the custodians. Community, town or city staff may be able to help elsewhere.
• Want to involve others? Put up posters or make announcements to spark their interest. Give them enough notice to make their plans, and let them know when and where to meet.
• People will need sunscreen, hats and likely rubber boots...but what else? They will likely need water or snacks. Make sure to have these on-hand or tell them to bring their own.
• Will your cleanup go ahead rain or shine? Let people know either way.

After your cleanup you may want to . . .

• Create and install signs to remind people not to litter or that tell a story about animals that live there.
• Arrange for a garbage bin to be installed and maintained.
• Plan regularly scheduled cleanups yourself.
• What else might you do to continue your work?