Article in West End Word, November 16-22, 2005

River Restoration

words and photos by Ellen Clapp

    About 40 people helped out with a Nov. 12 cleaning of the River Des Peres alongside Groby Road in University City. Cleanups also took place at Heman Park in University City and at Engleholm Creek in Pagedale.

    “To experience nature without having to leave the city is important,” said Donald Jeffries, chair of the River Des Peres Watershed Coaltion.

    But some parts of the River Des Peres carry sewage and “you do not want to fall into the river and open your mouth,” Jeffries said. However, much of the pollution is caused by trash, dumped in the river by the pubic and the Groby Road cleanup teams concentrated on pulling rubbish from the river.

    Linda Fried lead a cleanup team in Heman Park, where the volunteers were cutting down honeysuckle rather than picking up litter. “It’s an exotic plant that doesn’t belong here. It takes over and prevents native plants from growing,” she said.

    Among those taking part were students from New City School in the Central West End. Parent Theresa Biggs said that the fourth-grade teachers introduced the theme “Making a Difference” into the classroom, and that’s why she and her daughter came to help at the cleanup.