Area Students To Help Clean Up Area Waterways This Week

Some east-central Illinois students have the chance this week to learn about clean water and keeping area waterways trash-free.

This week is the inaugural Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week, where students across the state will clean up community waterways.

Jennifer Smith teaches science at Monticello Middle School. Her students will help clean up waterways they know well.

"We’re taking them to areas they frequent anyway and it makes them aware that they shouldn’t just throw something on the ground, they should pick it up," Smith said. She added that this cleanup will also help teach students they matter and can make a difference.

Annette Lee is a junior at University Laboratory High School in Urbana and a member of the school’s Tree Club. She hopes the cleanup teaches people that clean water is everyone’s responsibility "so that we can show that all people can have a role in helping the environment."

In addition to Monticello and Uni High, students at Georgetown – Ridge Farm High School in Vermilion County are taking part in the cleanup.