Operation Clean Stream

Operation Clean Stream and Passport to Clean Water 2020

UPDATED-Due to Covid-19, this event is changing from a one day, group event. Open Space Council invites you to clean up a site of your choice with people in your immediate household. Stay tuned for registration information and a list of available cleanup sites! 

Since 1967, The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region has organized Operation Clean Stream, one of the country’s largest and longest running river restoration projects. The fourth weekend of every August, event volunteers take to the Meramec River and its tributaries, working to undo damage caused throughout the year by flooding, careless littering and the unlawful dumping of trash. This event would not be possible without volunteers!

Volunteers should dress for the weather in comfortable clothes that they do not mind getting dirty. Closed toe shoes are required. Pants and bug spray are recommended. Work gloves and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water bottle to help us reduce project waste.

The Open Space Council invites you to help this year on Saturday, August 22. You can choose one of several cleanup locations along the Meramec River. After the cleanup, bring the whole family to Passport to Clean Water in Greentree Park.

This program is for children, ages 5 to 18 years, and their families. You can walk a local greenway, enjoy nature, and learn about natural resources. At the beginning of the event, each child receives a passport that will be stamped after a visit to each booth and they can redeem it at the final booth for a prize. This program is great for Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, youth groups, school groups and more!

Registration opens early summer.