The Clean and Green Collaborative and the East Fork Watershed Collaborative have teamed up this year to host a combined spring cleanup in the county April 28.

Becky McClatchey, watershed coordinator at the Clermont County Soil and Water Conservation District, said both the East Fork Little Miami River Sweep and Clean and Green will be held from 9 a.m. until noon April 28, and residents will be able to volunteer at several sites in the area.

“It is kind of advertised as two separate things, but we’re promoting one cleanup event,” McClatchey said.

The water conservation district is organizing the East Fork Little Miami River Sweep this year, and McClatchey said river sweep sites in Clermont County will include East Fork State Park, Stonelick State Park and other segments of the river.

“They can expect, at the East Fork locations, to be cleaning up the shoreline areas,” McClatchey said. “We hold the event rain or shine so we ask people to dress accordingly.”

McClatchey said a limited number of canoes will also be available for volunteers over 11-years-old, and large groups or businesses can also request to clean additional sites along the river.

“The idea is to have several areas and a choice of cleanup events,” McClatchey said about the spring cleanup. “Many people want to stay in their own communities.”

Valley View Foundation, an organization that maintains a 130-acre nature preserve in Milford, is putting together the Clean and Green event this year.

Vanessa Hannah, executive director of Valley View Foundation, said there will be Clean and Green sites in nearly every village or township including Amelia, Bethel, Goshen, Felicity, Miami Township, Milford, New Richmond Owensville and Point Pleasant.

“When they register we can put them in direct contact with a site coordinator,” Hannah said.

Hannah said this is the first year Valley View Foundation is organizing the event, however the trash and litter removal effort has been ongoing for a number of years.

“It is an opportunity for everyone to kind of unplug and get outside and take care of their local green space and waterways,” Hannah said about the spring cleanup.

Hannah said volunteers who wish to participate can expect to be out in the elements and should dress appropriately.

Gloves, trash bags and other supplies will be provided at both river sweep and Clean and Green locations. Bag lunches will also be provided for volunteers after the cleanup.

“We’re excited to work together, not only to bring focus to both events and share resources, but also make it a weekend event and a reminder to take care of our natural resources,” Hannah said.

To register to volunteer at a river sweep location call Clermont County Soil and Water Conservation District at (513) 732-7050 or visit www.clermontswcd.org/cleanup.aspx.

To register to volunteer at a Clean and Green location call Valley View Foundation at (513) 218-1098 or visit www.valleyviewcampus.org.