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The Northern Illinois Anglers Association is calling volunteers back to the riverbank for the 44th annual cleanup of the Kankakee and Iroquois rivers on Saturday, Sept. 19. The event, running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., aims to clear debris left along the waterways — a task that has taken on extra urgency after a March tornado that swept through parts of Kankakee County.
What to expect and why it matters
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Organizers say the river cleanup is both a long-standing community tradition and a practical response to environmental damage. Each year, volunteers haul away an estimated 15 to 20 tons of refuse — everything from tires and shopping carts to large appliances — that pose hazards to navigation, wildlife and water quality.
The 2026 event has an added focus: teams will be prioritizing debris that may have entered the river system following the March 10 tornado. Removing that material reduces downstream risks and speeds recovery for affected neighborhoods.
Registration and check-in points
There are five staffed check-in locations along the Kankakee River corridor, allowing volunteers to sign in at the site nearest them. Trash bags will be supplied at each station, and volunteers are invited to bring work gloves and water.
- Momence Island Park — footbridge on East Washington Street
- Kankakee Community College — boat launch
- Aroma Park — Potawatomi Park
- Bradley Bourbonnais Sportsmen’s Club
- Kankakee River State Park — pavilion near the concession area
Participants can expect quick safety briefings on arrival. Organizers recommend sturdy footwear and clothes that can get wet or dirty.
| Event | 44th Annual Kankakee & Iroquois River Cleanup |
| Date & time | Saturday, Sept. 19 — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Check-in | Five stations from Momence to Kankakee River State Park |
| What’s provided | Trash bags, commemorative patches, refreshments |
Community impact and logistics
For decades the cleanup has been one of the region’s largest volunteer-led conservation efforts. Beyond improving aesthetics, removing bulky waste reduces entanglement and ingestion risks for fish and birds and helps prevent blockages that can worsen flooding.
Volunteers of all ages participate, though younger helpers should be accompanied by an adult. After the event, crews coordinate collection and disposal of the accumulated material.
If you need more details or want to confirm a check-in site, visit rivercleanup.net or contact the event chair, Ken Munjoy, at 815-508-1335. You can also reach Reed’s Canoe Trips at 815-932-2663.
