Project AWARE removes more than 34 tons of trash

For the 11th consecutive year, an Iowa waterway is free of tons of garbage, thanks to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ annual river cleanup and wilderness adventure Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition). The State Hygienic Laboratory was one of several sponsors.

More than 34 tons of scrap metal, tires, abandoned machinery and trash were removed from a 91-mile stretch of the Des Moines and Boone rivers from Algona to Lehigh from July 6 – 13.

It was a milestone year for several Hygienic Laboratory staff members who were among the 343 volunteers from 11 states. Lynn Aldridge, chemist, was one of 12 recognized for having participated in Project AWARE for 10 years.

“The DNR is incredibly fortunate to have volunteers like Lynn who are incredibly dedicated and committed to protecting and improving Iowa’s water resources,” said Lynette Seigley, Project AWARE coordinator.

The Hygienic Lab’s (from left) Seth Zimmermann, Kyle Skoff and Travis Morarend work with Jason Vogelgesang (right) of Iowa DNR to haul an axel away for collection. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Schmitt.)

Limnologists Seth Zimmermann, Travis Morarend and Mike Birmingham worked as AWARE staff for the eighth year, and Kyle Skoff joined his fellow limnologists for the first time. Zimmerman also helped Seigley organize the expedition.

“Seth played a critical role in this year’s event, as he was directly involved in the planning, coordination and implementation,” Seigley said. “The event this year was very successful due in part to his efforts.”

One local conservation group from Kossuth County found a way to turn scrap into an environmental gift. “The East Fork Walleye Club handled the scrap metal collected during the week, all 23.4 tons,” Seigley said. “The money received from the scrap metal will be used by the East Fork Walleye Club to purchase walleye fingerlings to put back in the Des Moines River. This is a unique story of trash out, with fish going back into the river.”

A total of 87 percent of garbage removed by Project AWARE was recycled. The weeklong volunteer effort collected: