News Highlights

MSU science students take part in protecting the environment

Twenty chemistry, biochemistry and geology students adopted part of the Minnesota River in Mankato, and once a year they get up early to clean it.

2006-04-09
By Amanda Dyslin, Free Press Staff Writer [published in The Free Press, Mankato, MN, 4/3/2005]

MANKATO — They could have been sleeping in or watching Saturday morning cartoons like other college students at the start of a weekend.

But, instead, the Minnesota State University Chemistry Club decided to devote the early part of their Saturday to a good cause.

The group of 25 or so chemistry, biochemistry and geology students adopted part of the Minnesota River in Mankato last year through the Department of Natural Resources. Once a year, they get up early and clean it.

"We thought it was a good idea, having to do with the environment," said Elizabeth Smalley, club president.

The group of 20 volunteers gathered 9 a.m. at MSU and carpooled to either side of the river, near Land of Memories Park and along Judson Bottom Road. They began where the Blue Earth and Minnesota rivers join and spread out from there, keeping their eyes peeled for any unnatural rubble on the ground along the 1.5-mile stretch of riverbank.

As they maneuvered around trees and brush, climbing hills and mounds and trying not to fall into the river, members found pop cans, bottles and a whole lot of scrap metal. It's hard to tell where all the debris came from on the less-traveled portions of the bank, Smalley said. But on the Judson Bottom Road side, most of the trash was probably litter from traffic and pedestrians.

The oddest find of the day was an area along the river where it appeared someone lived at one time, Smalley said. A mattress and pots and pans were set about, which volunteers collected and put with the other debris.

At about 1 p.m. the group had collected heaping mounds of garbage and recyclables.

"We found a water heater, several tires, scrap metal and cans and bottles," Smalley said. "We got a good chunk of it done."

Last year the group collected about a ton of trash and recyclables, including microwaves and tires. This year she said they collected about the same.

Smalley said the group plans to keep the annual spring river cleanup going every year.

Throughout the year the group also volunteers with elementary school science fairs.

For information about the DNR Adopt-a-River program visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/adoptriver or call Paul Nordell, program coordinator at (651) 297-5476.

Email this article | Permanent link | Topstories news | Topstories news archives