RIVERS ARE LIFE'S TEAM PARTICIPATION IN THE 2025 ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK CLEANUP

Our team travelled to Memphis, TN for the 2025 Alternative Spring Break hosted by Living Lands & Waters. In collaboration with various educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, we were able to remove thousands of pounds of trash from local tributaries connected to the Mississippi River. 

Over the course of three and a half days, participants worked tirelessly to clean up Nonconnah Creek and McKellar Lake, which feed into the mighty Mississippi River. The team collected a staggering 42,820 pounds of debris from the area. While the cleanup efforts were rigorous and the findings varied from a broken tail light to a champagne bottle and brand new baseballs, a disturbing pattern emerged: plastic water bottles, tires, and styrofoam were prevalent throughout the waterway. These findings underscored the pressing need for continued environmental action and a greater focus on waste management, especially in relation to plastic and non-biodegradable materials that harm ecosystems.

Our participation marked the first week of a three-week cleanup program, with significant involvement from volunteers from institutions like Michigan State University, Valparaiso University, Allegheny College, and Miami University. The dedication of these volunteers and organizations highlights the power of community-driven action to create lasting environmental change.

To learn more about Living Lands & Waters' Alternative Spring Break program, watch Study Aboard, which highlights Living Lands & Waters’ work and its significant contributions to waterway preservation.