Join the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative

Be a part of the solution to combat plastic pollution along the Mississippi River by helping to collect data on marine litter

Want to receive updates from 1 Mississippi about the Initiative?

Did you know that up to 80% of marine plastic originates on land, and rivers are a major route for plastic litter to be transported from inland communities to the ocean?

The Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative is collecting data through a ‘community science’ approach to create a plastic pollution map. The map will help understand the state of plastic pollution along the River and help communities, scientists, policy-makers, businesses, and citizens take action.

1 Mississippi is proud to partner with the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative, the National Geographic Society, and the University of Georgia. To find out more, visit The Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative | UNEP – UN Environment Programme.

Ready to join in and make a difference? Follow these steps:

Step 1

Download the Marine Debris Tracker App

Download the Debris Tracker App here
Open the App and allow access to your location
Click “Start Tracking” and select the list named “MRCTI.”

Step 2

Use the Field Guide

The Mississippi River Citizen Science Field guide provides detailed information on how to use the App and how to collect data easily and safely. Click here for the guide.

Step 3

Collect Data

All data is valuable, but we encourage you to:

Select an area from the sampling map
Join an organized event

TIMEFRAME:

To be included in the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative, input your data into the debris tracker app by Sunday, April 25th, 2021. It is expected that the data collection timeline and site locations will be expanded – stay tuned, 1 Mississippi will continue to provide updates!

Signup to receive updates from 1 Mississippi about the Initiative

Find an Upcoming Organized Event Below

Best Ways to Collect Data + Critical Sampling Maps

Any data collected in the Mississippi River basin is valuable, but we encourage you to follow this protocol to allow for data comparison and scientific analysis:

1. Selecting an area from the sampling maps below.
2. Finding a 1-m (or 3ft) wide-pathway where litter typically accumulates, such as along a roadside or sidewalk and following the path and record all items within the 1-m transect for at least 30 minutes.

View map in new page

List of Upcoming Events

ST. PAUL, MN AND UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER

4/11/2021

Hidden Falls Regional Park

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mississippi-river-clean-up-and-data-collection-tickets-148082036357

United Nations Association of Minnesota

4/24/2021

Minneapolis River Gorge

Earth Day Clean Up at the Gorge

Friends of the Mississippi River

April 24th

Indian Mounds Regional Park

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service

4/24/2021

Harriet Island, Kelly’s Landing

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with Conservation Corps of MN

4/24/2021

Swede Hollow

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with Urban Roots

4/24/2021

Willow Reserve

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with North End Community Council

4/24/2021

Trout Brook

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with North End Community Council

4/24/2021

Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with Lower Phalen Creek Project

4/24/2021

Upper Landing

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with Friends of Upper Landing

4/24/2021

Lake Como Area

Citywide Spring Clean Up, https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/natural-resources/volunteer-resources/citywide-spring-cleanup

City of Saint Paul with Saint Paul Natural Resources

ST. LOUIS, MO AND MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

3/6/2021

Arnold City Park

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Arnold Stream Team 211

3/6/2021

Flamm City River Access

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Arnold Stream Team 211

3/6/2021

Little Muddy Creek

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Arnold Stream Team 211

3/6/2021

Grimm Park

EPA Volunteer

3/13/2021

Cora Island

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network/League of Watershed Guardians

3/20/2021

St. Louis Riverfront

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

NPS – Gateway Arch Grounds

3/20/2021

Gateway Arch National Park

https://www.stlvolunteer.org/opportunity/a0C4W00000ddVoFUAU

Gateway Arch National Park

3/20/2021

Hillsboro, Missouri

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Belews Creek Watershed Partnership

4/3/2021

City of St. Charles, Mo.

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/65304c42b9a642e2bfb156efda62f38b greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/6/2021

Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area

St. Louis Zoo

4/10/2021

Lincoln Shield

https://www.greenwaynetwork.org/participate/mission-clean-stream-registration/ greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/10/2021

Dardenne Prairie, Mo.

https://dardenne.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=398 greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/10/2021

Lake St. Louis, Mo.

Email mkuelker@lakestlouis.com to reserve your spot. greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/10/2021

O’Fallon, Mo.

https://www.greenwaynetwork.org/2021/03/09/mission-clean-stream-2/ greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/10/2021

Cottleville, Mo.

https://www.cityofcottleville.com/community-development-public-works/storm-water-management/ greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/10 – 11/2021

Wentzville, Mo.

https://www.wentzvillemo.gov/departments/public_works/stormwater_management/community_projects_2/mission_clean_stream.php greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/10/2021

Pine Lawn, I-70/Jennings Station Rd.

https://earthday-365.org/earth-month-2021

earthday365, A Red Circle’s North County Agricultural Education Center’s Garden

4/10/2021

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center

https://www.facebook.com/events/3787547997965962

Jerry F. Costello National Great Rivers Research and Education Center Confluence Field Station: 1 Confluence Way, East Alton, IL 62024

4/10 or 4/17

Jerry F. Costello National Great Rivers Research and Education Center Confluence Field Station: 1 Confluence Way, Alton, IL 62002

https://www.facebook.com/events/3787547997965962

National Great Rivers Research Center

4/13/2021

Wentzville, Mo.

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network

4/13/2021

St. Charles, Mo.

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network

4/13/2021

O’Fallon, Mo.

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network

4/13/2021

Weldon Springs, Mo.

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network

4/13/2021

St. Charles County Parks

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network

4/13/2021

Cottleville, Mo.

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network

4/13/2021

Lincoln Shield

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network/League of Watershed Guardians

4/13/2021

Dardenne Prairie, Mo.

http://mostreamteam.org/calendar-of-events.html

Greenway Network

4/17/2021

Clinton, IA – Rotary Park & parks along the Riverfront

Elkay

4/17/2021

North Riverfront Park – 10550 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, MO 63137

https://www.greenwaynetwork.org/participate/mississippi-river-plastics-pollution-launch-registration/

Mississippi River Plastics Pollution Launch

4/17/2021

St. Louis Riverfront

https://www.stlvolunteer.org/opportunity/a0C4W00000ddVoDUAU

United Way’s River Cleanup and Dock Bash

4/17/2021

Cliff Cave County Park

https://stlaqf-rivercleanup-cliffcave.eventbrite.com

St. Louis Aquarium Foundation

4/17/2021

Watkins Creek to I-270 along Riverview Drive

St. Louis Zoo

4/17/2021

Great River Road

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b44aaab2aa0ff2-litter

The Piasa Palisades Group of the Sierra Club

4/17/2021

Oakwood Avenue

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b44aaab2aa0ff2-litter

The Piasa Palisades Group of the Sierra Club

4/17/2021

North Riverfront Park: 10550 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, MO 63137

Inlet Marking: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

EarthWays Center

4/17/2021

Tanglewood Park: 1180 Chambers Rd, St. Louis, MO 63137

Inlet Marking: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

EarthWays Center

4/17/2021

Savanna, IL- Marquette Park & south along the River

Elkay

4/17/2021

Boat Access under Clark Bridge

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b44aaab2aa0ff2-litter

The Piasa Palisades Group of the Sierra Club

April 17 – 24

Bellefontaine Conservation Area: Country Ln, St. Louis, MO 63136

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Creve Coeur Lake Park Site 7/Outdoor Park

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Spanish Lake Area 1A: 12579 Spanish Pond Rd St. Louis, MO 63138

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Spanish Lake Area 2B: 12720 Spanish Pond Road

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Spanish Lake Area 3C: 12665 Spanish Pond Road – Sunfish and North Lakes

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

North Riverfront Park: 10550 Riverview Dr, St. Louis, MO 63137

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Creve Coeur Lake Park Site 1

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Creve Coeur Lake Park Site 2

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Creve Coeur Lake Park Site 3

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Creve Coeur Lake Park Site 4

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

April 17 – 24

Brad L. Schultz, Jr. Memorial Park: 10045 Toelle Ln, 63137

Cleanup: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

Confluence Trash Bash

4/18/2021

James J. Eagan Civic Center: 1 James J. Eagan Dr, Florissant, MO 63033

Inlet Marking: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

EarthWays Center

4/18/2021

O’Fallon Park

https://earthday-365.org/earth-month-2021/

earthday365, North Newstead Neighborhood Association, Missouri Department of Conservation, Great Rivers Greenway Confluence Trash Bash

4/18/2021

Bella Fontaine Park – West, Whistler Shelter: 9601 Duke Dr, St. Louis, MO 63136

Inlet Marking: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

EarthWays Center

4/18/2021

Weldon Springs, Mo.

https://apm.activecommunities.com/stcharlescountyparkrec/Activity_Search/3690 greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/18/2021

St. Charles County Parks

https://apm.activecommunities.com/stcharlescountyparkrec/Activity_Search/3690 greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

4/22/2021

Old Chain of Rocks, Madison County, IL

https://stlaqf-rivercleanup-chainofrocks.eventbrite.com

St. Louis Aquarium Foundation

4/24/2021

Dutchtown Neighborhood Cleanup

https://earthday-365.org/earth-month-2021

earthday365, Dutchtown CID, Cure Violence, Great Rivers Greenway’s Confluence Trash Bash

4/24/2021

Bangert Park: 275 S New Florissant Rd, Florissant, MO 63031

Inlet Marking: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

EarthWays Center

4/24/2021

Sunset Park: 2300 Sunset Park Dr, Florissant, MO 63031

Inlet Marking: Confluence Trash Bash: https://greatriversgreenway.org/trash-bash/

EarthWays Center

4/25/2021

St. Charles County Parks

https://apm.activecommunities.com/stcharlescountyparkrec/Activity_Search/3691 greenwaynetwork.org

Mission: Clean Stream

BATON ROUGE, LA AND LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER

4/9/2021

Bluff and SU campus. Meeting point at Higgins Hall on SU campus

Southern University 771 Alliance

4/10/2021

Wards Creek and Bayou Manchac

https://brec.samaritan.com/custom/522/opp_details/7383#.YFzu4MlXyCk.link

BREC Green Force and Paddle BR

4/10/2021

Cedarcrest Park

https://www.safehopefulneighborhoods.com/operationcleanup