Missouri River Regional Library will offer a weeklong program aimed at connecting families to the Missouri River.
MRRL is partnering with Missouri River Relief to offer families a chance to build an understanding of their local watershed and learn how to make a difference in their neighborhood.
Missouri River Relief is a nonprofit dedicated to building connections with the river through hands-on river cleanup, education events and stewardship activities.
The program the organizations are offering - "Make a Difference in Your Watershed Week" - will include four virtual programs and one curbside pickup. It will run today through July 26. The program is to be hosted on the MRRL Virtual Programs for Kids Facebook page.
No matter where you live, you're in a watershed. Watersheds are areas of land that drain to a single body of water like a lake or river. They come in many different sizes. A few acres may drain into a small stream or wetland, according to an MRRL news release. Or, a few rivers may drain into a larger river.
The library will post video today of Story Time: "Look Out for Litter," by Lisa Bullard. Little pieces of trash can become big problems. Find out safe ways to take care of litter and learn how you can help Earth's litter problem.
Tuesday features a video on the Virtual Programs for Kids Facebook page - "Creek Cleanup: Know Before You go."
"We know you are itchin' to get outside, get muddy and make a difference in your watershed," the release says. "But first there are some tips and tricks on things to know before you pick up litter along your favorite creek or in your neighborhood."
Wednesday's video features "How to Make a 'Smoosh' book.
While you're at the creek, take time to draw or list the things you seek in nature, including plants, animals and trash for your "Smoosh" book. The video guides children through making the book out of just one piece of paper and a pair of scissors.
Thursday features curbside pickup of cleanup supplies 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at MRRL. You'll receive trash bags, gloves and a map. The library is located at 214 Adams St. in Jefferson City.
Then, "head outside to clean up the litter along your favorite creek or in your neighborhood," the release says.
Supplies may be reserved.
And July 26 brings a contest.
The "Virtual Creek Clean-up Celebration & Trash Contest" will allow participants to share what they discovered and enter their treasures into the library's "trash contest" for a prize. The celebration will be broadcast live via Zoom at 2 p.m. Sunday.