Project Description

Big Creek is the only natural waterway that meanders through the City of Canton, Illinois (population 15,000), a rural community in west central Illinois. Soon after the first pioneers settled this area in 1825 a sawmill was erected on Big Creek. Over the years it has served as a great economic and natural resource for the community, however in recent years the length of the creek has been polluted with junk and debris (tires, barrels, litter, etc.)

Our goal is to mobilize local high school students interested in saving their local environment along with our Park District to walk the length of Big Creek as it runs through our city picking up junk and debris along the way. This cleansing will help restore the natural beauty of the creek as our pioneering settlers once found it.

Funds are needed for basic supplies such as garbage bags, gloves, several hip-waders (used to walk in water to pick up debris), dumpster rental and disposal fees. Local area businesses have agreed to match whatever funds we could raise via fundraisers and grants.

Not only are we taking local action to save the environment we live in, we are also giving our youth a valuable educational and life experience that teaches them respect for our natural resources.

We hope that our cause is one that you can support. Now let's DO SOMETHING together!