Engage and Give Back

Great Rivers Greenway is able to have a bigger impact when residents of the region are informed, excited and ready to act!

We engage volunteers directly on a number of projects, often working with partners, to get people out on the greenways and learn about conservation opportunities.

Groovin’ on the Greenways

Groovin’ on the Greenways is a series of free family events held on greenways across the region. Each event showcases the unique features and fun things to do on that particular greenway and attendees are encouraged to take part in conservation activities, including honeysuckle removal, native planting or trash cleanup. Other festivities include live music, a food truck, family-friendly activities.

Check out event calendar for upcoming Groovin’ on the Greenway opportunities!

 

Partner Events and Cleanups

Great Rivers Greenway is a committed partner on 3 annual events in our region that engage volunteers in conservation work.

Volunteers, young and old, help remove trash from their neighborhood parks and streams, working to undo damage caused throughout the year by flooding, careless littering and the unlawful dumping of trash.

  • Confluence Trash Bash
    This community-wide cleanup event engages volunteers in the stewardship of the rivers and streams in the Mississippi and Missouri watersheds in North St. Louis County and City.
  • River des Peres Trash Bash
    This is a large (500+) community-wide cleanup event to engage volunteers in the stewardship of the streams in the River des Peres watershed.
  • Operation Clean Stream
    Organized by the Open Space Council, this event is one of the country’s largest and longest running river restoration projects. The fourth weekend of every August, event volunteers take to the Meramec River and its tributaries. Volunteers participate both in canoes and boats, as well as on the shore, in nearby parks, and along nearby trails.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

There are lots of ways to help the greenways and our agency, whether you’re an individual or an organized group.

INDIVIDUALS OR SMALL GROUPS/FAMILIES:
For individuals or small groups/families, we have many options. There are opportunities to pitch in and get your hands dirty, and there are jobs for those of you who want to talk to people and those who prefer to be behind the scenes. All ages and abilities welcome!

Click here to share with us which activities you’re interested in and then we will:

  • Direct you to the training or resources you may need to get started
  • Sign you up to receive updates when something matching your interest is available

Group & Corporate Volunteer Opportunities

Great Rivers Greenway invites businesses, civic organizations, church and school groups to come out and spend some time actively taking care of the natural habitats in our region! We welcome groups of all sizes to pitch in and volunteer with us to give back to cleaner and healthier habitats and watersheds. We offer a variety of group volunteer options – including cleanup, maintenance, landscaping, invasive removal and native flower planting –  and we will work with interested parties to tailor opportunities to the interests and abilities of participants. For more information on group volunteer opportunities, contact Tom Schweiss at tschweiss@grgstl.org.

The Great Rivers Greenway Foundation

While Great Rivers Greenway works towards healthier watersheds and habitats throughout the St. Louis region, the Great Rivers Greenway Foundation supports this work by creating a supportive community that provides financial support, raises awareness and builds a community of ambassadors. The Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization , actively seeks alternative funding for projects through donations, grants and events in the areas of capital greenway projects, community engagement programs and conservation.

Click here to make a donation to the Foundation and support the environmental well-being of the St. Louis region.