Make a Splash on June 14 by Helping to Clean Up the Des Plaines River

The Izaak Walton League of America Des Plaines Chapter and Clean Up Give Back invite residents to join the annual Des Plaines Riverbank Cleanup from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 14 at the IKE’s historic Jefferson Home in Des Plaines.

Now in its seventh year, this hands-on effort helps protect the Des Plaines River—a key community resource supporting wildlife and recreation—by removing litter and debris. Organizers report nearly 8,000 pounds of trash have been collected since the cleanup began, with less collected each year thanks to ongoing volunteer support.

Volunteers will gather at the clubhouse for coffee and a light breakfast before heading out with gloves and trash bags provided by event organizers. After the work is done, Clean Up Give Back will serve a light lunch to thank everyone for their efforts.

Community members are encouraged to invite friends, family and neighbors to join and amplify the impact.

Location: 1841 S. River Rd., Des Plaines. For more information or to register (to ensure an accurate headcount for supplies and to keep people informed of updates or important details about the event), visit iwla-desplaines.org/event-details/des-plaines-riverbank-cleanup-2025.