Flint River Clean-up

lschultz • October 15, 2019

This past Saturday, October 12th On the Water which is funded by Consumer Energy and the U of M Flint’s Wildlife Club partnered to clean up the Flint River on the U of M Flintcampus. Three volunteers braved the chilly temperatures to come to help out their local river. In two short hours, 100lbs of trash were removed from the river banks on the Flint River on the U of M Flint campus. The top items that were removed where styrofoam pieces and plastic bottles and the weirdest item removed was a Mr.Potato nose piece.

Everyone had great positive mental attitudes and were happy to give back to their local watershed for a few short hours. This event wouldn’t have been a small success if it wasn’t for the volunteers who came out and contributed to making their home town river better for the next generation.

One of the main problems that the Flint River experiences are the pollution and stormwater that runs into the river and watershed from point and non-point sources. This is a problem nationwide according to government officials and river advocates. Polluted stormwater that drains off the landscape harms water quality and aquatic life. It also alters the natural flow of the river, which can cause a myriad of problems, such as flooding and streambank erosion. This issue is not unique to the Flint River — stormwater runoff is the biggest threat to rivers nationwide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

We did our part as local citizens and helped clean up the river and its shore banks this past Saturday!  What we did upstream, not only benefited us but also impacted everyone who is downstream as well. We made a positive impact this past weekend for future generations.

This was the last field event of the 2019 season for On the Water. Stay tuned for more educational events in the following months!

 

Recent Posts

By Olivia Triltsch July 10, 2025
MUCC’s On the Ground program is returning to the Shiawassee River State Game Area to aid in the removal of a persistent aquatic invasive species, European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae). Volunteers are needed on Saturday, July 26th, from 9 AM – 12 PM . For more details and to register, click HERE .
By Emily VanderWall July 8, 2025
July 2025 NRC Preview
By Olivia Triltsch July 3, 2025
The United States is not shy about using big, beautiful fireworks in celebration of many occasions. July 4th is a day of celebration for many within the country, celebrating the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1776. Fireworks and barbecues are the most common modes of celebration on this day in recognition of the historic significance of the day. While these grand displays are something many look forward to each year, it is important to consider the impacts these explosions have on the surrounding area, including pets and wildlife.
More Posts