Looking ahead to next week, pull on your muck boots and lend a hand to the Boone River Clean Up.

This year, it will feature two different activities in the Webster City area the weekend of August 2 through August 4, according to a media release from Linda Wild.

One: The Self-Guided Clean Up. This trash roundup is a self-guided, on-your-own/at-your-own-risk activity that begins Friday, August 2 at 10 a.m. It can be continued through the end of Sunday, August 4.

“Trash bags and instructions for where the snagged trash can be dropped off will be found at the Riverside Park canoe access in Webster City and at Briggs Woods Park canoe access at the Shelter No. 1 area, 2490 Briggs Woods Trail, south of Webster City.

“The purpose of this activity is to pick up trash in and along the Boone River and/or to pick up trash in Riverside Park, along the bike trail towards Briggs Woods Park, and in Briggs Woods Park.

“Participants are encouraged to take pictures of their activities, the ‘treasures’ they discover and post to Facebook tagging the Boone River Cleanup page.

“This activity is contingent upon lower water levels in the Boone River. Keep in mind, if the traditional clean up is canceled, it likely is not safe to be on or near the river.

“Your safety is the prime consideration. Items to bring/wear could include work gloves, sunscreen, drinking water, insect repellant, old solid shoes, and head covering. Heavy or buried items should be noted — tag to Boone River Cleanup Facebook page — and left in place. Work safely within your own abilities. Alcohol consumption while participating in either of these events is not allowed.”

Two: Traditional Clean Up. This is a canoe float as a group from Riverside Park to Briggs Woods Park on Saturday, August 3, picking up trash in and along the river.

“This can include tires, cans, plastic, appliances, and tires. You will get wet and dirty. “Participants will meet at Briggs Woods Park, Shelter No. 1, at 7:30 a.m. You are encouraged to bring your own canoe or kayak. There will be a few loaner canoes available on a first-come basis. This activity is contingent upon water levels in the Boone River and weather. Briggs Woods Park is located at 2490 Briggs Woods Trail south of Webster City off Highway 17. Follow the signs to Shelter No. 1.

The Saturday canoe float clean up will be led by the City of Webster City and Hamilton County Conservation.

Please note: Participants will register. Signed waivers and medical information will be required. Children 14 to 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. This activity is not recommended for children 13 and under.

“All volunteers must abide by the Iowa Boating Laws set forth by the Department of Natural Resources. A bus will take participants to the beginning point of the float at Riverside Park and return participants to Briggs Woods Park. The duration of the float is expected to be five hours. A free lunch is provided at the end of the float. Free Boone River Cleanup t-shirts will be available to the first 50 registered participants.

“Removing trash improves water quality, safety for boating and other park activities,” Wild said in the media release. “Since 2007, volunteers have cleaned up 28 miles of river recovering 816 tires, 7.85 tons of scrap metal, and 3.5 tons of trash. The Boone River is one of the best paddling rivers in Iowa. It is a source of recreation for area residents. It adds to the beauty of Hamilton County.”

If you need more information, contact John Laird, Hamilton County Conservation naturalist at 515-297-0423.

Sponsors of the 2024 Boone River Cleanup include The Nature Conservancy, The Trash Man, Webster City Custom Meats, Fareway, Hamilton County Solid Waste Transfer Station, Hy-Vee, American Rivers, Webster City Rotary, City of Webster City, Hamilton County Conservation, and Iowa State University Hamilton County Extension and Outreach.