Living Lands and Waters - X-Stream Cleanup in Louisville

What is the Xstream Cleanup?
The Xstream Cleanup is a community-based event focusing on cleaning up waterways, removing invasive species and planting native species in the Louisville and Clarksville area. This event is being spearheaded by Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) and the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). Sponsors of this event include Metro Parks, American Commercial Lines, Natural Resource Conservation District, Salt River Water Watch, Jefferson County Soil Conservation Science, Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Nature Center. Volunteers are needed to assist. There are several different sites for volunteers to choose from.

Who can volunteer?
We accept volunteers of all ages and abilities. However, some sites will be more appropriate for children and those with limited aptitudes. This level of difficulty is indicated in the site descriptions below. All volunteers under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult.

What is expected of volunteers?
At all sites volunteers will be working with hosting organizations to accomplish their tasks. The cleanup sites involve removing the garbage (tires, appliances, barrels, plastic bottles, etc.) that is polluting YOUR waterways and YOUR environment. At invasive species removal sites, volunteers will work to remove Bush Honeysuckle or Garlic Mustard by pulling the plants out of the ground or cutting them down. These undesirable plants outcompete native species for light, space, water and nutrients and cause dense thickets that prevent germination and growth of native understories. At the planting site, volunteers will plant native species which will help to restore diversity to bottomland areas. All volunteers will be asked to meet at 9am at a specific location—dependent on the site they chose. Each site will have a coordinator who will go over any safety concerns and provide volunteers with instructions to complete their tasks.

Water Bottle: Please bring a refillable water bottle; if you do not have one, site coordinators will have small cups for water.
Clothing: Be sure to dress appropriately; wear warm clothes, preferably comfortable layers. Remember you can always take layers off. Long pants and closed-toes shoes are a MUST! You should also wear shoes that can get wet and/or muddy (rubber boots are best!), and you may want to bring an extra set of clothing to leave in your car in case you get really dirty, muddy or wet and need to change before leaving. If rain is possible you may want to bring rain gear.
Equipment: We have a limited amount of loppers and saws. If you are working at an invasive species removal site, please bring loppers or hand saws if you have them.
Waiver: Please print the “general liability form” above. Read, sign and give it to your site coordinator the morning of the event. Please date the waiver for the day of the event, 5/30/09, not the day you sign it. If any volunteers are under the age of 18 they will need to be accompanied by an adult, who will be required to sign the waiver. If you forget your waiver, the site coordinator will have extras.

What is provided?
We will provide gloves, trash bags, shovels, loppers, hand saws, life jackets (if going in a boat) and plenty of water. You may bring your own items if you feel more comfortable.

Weather Cancellation Policy:
In the instance that there is lightening, flooding or high winds, we will call off the event at the site. There will be no rain date.

Site Locations:
Below are descriptions of each Xstream Cleanup site, with an approximate number of volunteers needed for each site. Links to site locations are in the table below. Each is also rated on the level of difficulty.

Light duty sites: Best for children and those with limited abilities. These cleanup sites have relatively small and/or light garbage. Both invasive removal and cleanup sites are along flat terrain.

Moderate duty sites: At cleanup sites there is primarily smaller garbage with a few larger items such as tires, light furniture, etc. Both cleanup and invasive removal sites have terrain that is mostly flat or has small/medium inclines; it may have some slightly unstable terrain (i.e. rocks, gravel).

Heavy duty sites: These sites are not good for children or those with limited agility. These sites have large amounts of big/heavy garbage (i.e. barrels, appliances, large tires, etc.) that may need digging out. Other sites that may be qualified under this heading are those requiring invasive removal or garbage collection on fairly steep banks and/or unstable terrain (i.e. along the rip-rap on a levee).

Please be sure to choose a site that fits your ability. If you have any questions about the sites, please contact the project coordinator, listed below. For directions and parking locations simply click on the location of the site you are interested in.

How do I sign up?
It’s simple! Just click on the “Register On-Line” button below to access the on-line registration form. There you will need to enter your name, contact information, and select your preferred site from the pull down menu. You will also have the option to sign up for a group, if you choose to organize volunteers from school, church, your family, friends, etc. If you don’t have access to email, or you have a question related to the cleanup, please feel free to email or call Shanon Reineke of Living Lands & Waters. Her contact information is as follows: