JOIN A CLEANUP ON BELLE ISLE
Through our anti-litter campaign, Keep Belle Isle Beautiful, our goal is to make a great impact at both the local level, by reducing litter on Belle Isle, as well as the regional level, by being an active contributor to the umbrella, global campaign to keep our waters free of plastic pollution.
We are in critical need of volunteers who can either bring their own kayak and help us remove the trash that has made its way into the various lakes and lagoons on Belle Isle - or - keep their boots on the ground to remove landlocked litter throughout the park, preventing it from making its way into our watershed.
Public Cleanups
In 2017, Keep Belle Isle Beautiful was created as Belle Isle Park’s first and only anti-litter campaign. Through this campaign, we work together with park users, communities, and corporations to act locally while thinking globally and overall connect the Great Lakes region to the worldwide concern of single-use plastic pollution and marine litter.
Cleanups are free, family-friendly events, welcoming volunteers of all ages! No RSVP is needed. Volunteer waivers are required. Please dress for the weather predicted that day and bring your own work gloves and reusable water bottle.
SATURDAY PUBLIC CLEANUPS + BELLE ISLE KAYAK CLUB
Bring the whole family to Keep Belle Isle Beautiful on the third Saturday of each month, April - September.
We also invite you to bring your own kayak or SUP and join us as we 'paddle against plastic pollution' along the canals of Belle Isle. Some kayaks will be available onsite on a first come first serve basis.
Recurring date: Third Saturday of each month, April through September
Time: 9:30am -Noon
Location and Parking: In front of the Belle Isle Aquarium
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April 22 - Belle Isle Spring Cleanup
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May 20
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June 17
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July 15
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August 19
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September 16 - International Coastal Cleanup Day
'SECOND FRIDAYS' SERIES
Families, friends, community groups and corporate teams looking to meet up at the Belle Isle Beach and help Keep Belle Isle Beautiful are welcome to join us on the second Friday of each month, July – October. Beach cleanups are on land only.
Recurring date: Second Friday of each month, July through September
Time: 9:30am - Noon
Location and Parking: Belle Isle Beach
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July 14
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August 11
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September 8
Weather-related cancelation policy for 'Keep Belle Isle Beautiful' cleanup events
On-land cleanups will occur rain or shine. Kayak Club will not occur in the rain. If at any time we experience lightning, thunderstorms, strong winds, rain coming down hard enough to impair vision, flooding, or extreme heat or cold, the event will be canceled immediately. Safety is #1, at all times. Being an island-wide cleanup, in addition to the nature of being out in kayaks, we are logistically unable to make a single park-wide announcement ending the event. The above criteria are information for you to have in advance so that you are aware of the conditions in which we will immediately cancel and volunteers can self-end their cleanup efforts.
Corporate Day of Service - $2,500
We believe it takes cross-sector collaboration to make a true local + global impact and would be honored to partner with your team for your corporate day of service! As a result of your financial contribution, we will coordinate and host a private Keep Belle Isle Beautiful cleanup for your team. And because we have 982 acres of outdoor space to work with, we can safely host groups of almost any size! We provide all the supplies needed for a successful cleanup, such as gloves, trash bags {made of recycled ocean plastic} hand sanitizer, and a fun map of the park- perfect for exploring!
Your volunteer day will be made into a fun team-building excursion that combines removing litter pollution while visiting popular (and lesser-known secret :) areas of the island. At the end of the cleanup, together we will weigh the litter pollution that your team collected (it makes for a fun competition!) and you will walk away knowing the metrics of the impact that you have made that day for Belle Isle, the Detroit River, and the Great Lakes region!
Keep Belle Isle Beautiful Corporate Days of Service are available to groups of all sizes. Limited days are available - reserve your corporate day of service today! Contact Director of Environmental Initiatives and Affairs, Genevieve Nowak, at nowakg@belleisleconservancy.org for more info.
This program is sponsored by:
TIPS AND COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Please email Genevieve at nowakg@belleisleconservancy.org if you have a kayak or another water vessel that you can bring to any scheduled cleanup.
Bags and gloves will be provided. Come alone, bring your family, or plan to meet up with friends. Groups welcome!
Our cleanup will follow all current CDC recommendations that allow us all to remain safe. We are grateful to have 982 acres of outdoor space available to us!
Please bring your reusable water bottle and stay hydrated. Please wear closed-toe shoes or boots and dress for the weather prediction of the day. Due to the nature of being outdoors, consider bringing your sunblock and bug spray.