A dedicated group of neighbors known as the “Turtle Creek Pickers” is coming together each month to help keep Beloit clean, beautiful, and environmentally healthy. Through the City of Beloit’s Adopt-A-Road, Trail, or Park Program, volunteers regularly patrol the sidewalks, curbs, and green spaces near Cranston Road and Milwaukee Road, collecting litter before it can wash into nearby storm drains and pollute Turtle Creek.
What may seem like a simple cleanup effort is making a meaningful difference for both the community and the environment. Every bag of trash removed helps protect local wildlife, improve neighborhood appearance, and preserve the natural beauty of Turtle Creek for future generations.
The Turtle Creek Pickers are always looking for more helping hands and welcome anyone who wants to make a positive impact in Beloit. Whether you can volunteer once or join the monthly cleanups regularly, every effort helps.
To learn more or join the group, contact Rick Barder at litespeedrick@gmail.com or click here to learn about the City of Beloit’ program.
“One of the most common items we pick up are cigarette butts. There are hundreds of them along the roadside,” said participant Therese Oldenburg. “It can take up to 10 years for them to completely degrade and they are easily washed into a storm grate and into Turtle Creek or the Rock River.”
Grateworks Program by the Rock River Trail
You can also adopt a stormwater grate in your community and keep it clear of garbage and debris. By doing so, you’ll prevent these items from washing into Turtle Creek and the Rock River. Pollution from stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats to clean water in our waterways. Stormwater picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants from yards, parking lots and streets, and carries that into a storm sewer. Everything that flows into a stormwater grate goes directly into a lake, stream, river, or wetland! Learn more about this program here.
