Freshwater Society

Did you know that just five bags of leaves and organic debris from streets and sidewalks can contain up to one pound of phosphorus? Over time, this can lead to the growth of up to 1,000 pounds of algae. Phosphorus is the leading and most serious source of pollution for rivers and lakes causing excessive growth of aquatic plants and eutrophication.

Because of this, the Freshwater Society is partnering with the Friends of the Minnesota Valley and local organizations to initiate Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality to reduce the phosphorus levels in our lakes and rivers.

We are launching this activity with a community toolkit that includes a DVD providing "how to" instructions for organizing and implementing a clean-up. Clean-up participants will be able to track the amount of phosphorus being removed on our website.

View the Community Clean-ups For Water Quality toolkit here:

Table of Contents
Factsheet
Question & Answer
Clean-Up Steps
Templates
Sample Documents: Press Release, Volunteer Recruitment Flyer, Volunteer Sign-up Sheet, Community Flyer (Level 1), Community Flyer (Levels 2, 3, 4), Newspaper Ad (Level 1), Newspaper Ad (Levels 2, 3, 4), Newspaper Article (Level 1), Newspaper Article (Levels 2, 3, 4), Door Hanger, City Proclamation, Community Brochure, Post Event - Letter to the Editor

Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality were held last fall and are scheduled this spring!

Members of a confirmation class from Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine took part in a Community Clean-Up for Water Quality in 2011.

The Freshwater Society is partnering with the Friends of the Minnesota Valley and local organizations to initiate Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality to reduce the phosphorus levels in our lakes and rivers.

Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality are hands-on water quality improvement projects that can be held in your area. All it takes are volunteers, bags and some tools! We are providing a free Community Toolkit and DVD with materials and instructions for implementing a Clean-Up. View the seven minute video on why Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality are important and view a fact sheet about the program. We are providing a free Community Toolkit and DVD with materials and instructions for implementing a Clean-Up. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to receive a toolkit!

What are Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality?
Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality are local projects that can significantly reduce the phosphorus flowing into lakes and rivers by removing leaves and yard debris from city streets. A community group such as a scout group, a school class, a church committee, a service organization or a group of neighbors can participate. Volunteers rake, sweep and bag leaves, dirt and debris blocking storm drain grates on city streets. The organic material can then be composted.

Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality have been sponsored for years by Friends of the Minnesota Valley. Since 2010, the Freshwater Society has helped take the volunteer effort to organizations across the state.

Why are Community Clean-Ups for Water Quality Important?
Storm drains empty directly into surface waters. Rain and melting snow carry leaves, yard debris and sand from streets into those waters. As the organic matter decays, excess phosphorus pollutes lakes and rivers. The phosphorus causes excessive growth of algae and decreases oxygen levels in the water. By cleaning up leaves in the spring or fall, volunteers can significantly reduce pollution and protect water quality.

How Can I Help?
Organize a group of volunteers to clean curbs, gutters, boulevards and storm drain grates in a manageable area within your community. You will need to seek volunteers and coordinate the disposal and composting of leaves and other organic material. You may want to talk with your city officials and publicize the clean-up to attract more volunteers. For a toolkit on planning and conducting a clean-up, contact the Freshwater Society at 952-471-9773 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What happens on the day of the clean-up?
Your group will clean leaves, branches and trash from the curbs, gutters, boulevards and storm drain grates in the area you select and bag the debris. All you need are gloves, rakes, brooms, shovels and bags.

If you want to make a bigger impact, you can also notify people in your community to rake, sweep, and bag leaves and debris from the curbs, gutters and boulevards in front of their house. On clean-up day, the group collects the bags and takes them to a compost site.

Doesn’t street sweeping pick up all of the leaves and trash?
The goal of these clean-ups is to catch the winter’s accumulation of decaying leaves and other organic material before spring rains wash it through the sewers to lakes and streams. Fall clean-ups are also helpful because leaves are removed before they begin to decay. Many streets may not be swept by city crews until after the first significant rain. Plan your clean-up before street sweeping occurs.

How will this help our lakes, rivers and streams?
Stormwater runoff, the water that runs off of streets, buildings, parking lots, lawns and other surfaces is a serious problem for Minnesota lakes and rivers. It is estimated that five garbage bags filled with leaves or other organic matter equals about one pound of phosphorus, and that a single pound of phosphorus can yield 1,000 pounds of algae. Your community can make a significant impact on pollution coming from your streets and on the health of your lakes, rivers and streams. To learn more, read the What is Polluting Our Lakes fact sheet.

Through this program, communities in the Minnesota River Valley have removed about 8,400 pounds of phosphorus (equal to 8,400,000 pounds of algae) and 47,000 pounds of trash.

What else can I do to fight phosphorus pollution?

• Your street is a tributary to your local lake or river.
• Rake and sweep street curbs BEFORE spring rains wash debris into sewers, by participating in your annual Community Clean-Up Day.
• Rake fall leaves before rainfall or before the first snowfall.
• Always mow away from the street.
• Sweep fertilizers off sidewalks and driveways.

Community Clean-ups for Water Quality are conducted by people just like you, your neighbors and friends. Join the effort.

If your civic group or organization is interested in holding a clean-up in your community, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .