Open Space Council STL

About Operation Clean Stream

Since 1967, The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region has organized Operation Clean Stream, one of the country's largest and longest running river restoration projects.  The fourth weekend of every August, event volunteers take to the Meramec River and its tributaries, working to undo damage caused throughout the year by flooding, careless littering and the unlawful dumping of trash. Volunteers participate both in canoes and boats, as well as on the shore, in nearby parks, and along nearby trails.  Visit our Facebook page for photos.

About Passport to Clean Water Program

The Passport to Clean Water Program began in 2012 as an educational tool for young, Operation Clean Stream volunteers. Each year, organizations throughout the St. Louis Region, who's mission includes water quality, facilitate educational, interactive activities, discussions, and expolorations that explain different aspects of water with youth and their families. Our goal with this program is to provide all participants with crucial, take-home knowledge on how they can improve water quality in their own daily lives. Groups that have already committed to participating in this year's program include Missouri Stream Team, Robinson Rain Barrels, Missouri Wildlife Rescue Center, St. Louis County Parks, Endangered Wolf Center and the Nature Conservancy. We anticipate more organizations, and in turn, a fun, successful day of knowledge and service to the Meramec River Watershed. Register for the Passport to Clean Water Program by clicking here.

Information for New Volunteers

• In 2013, Operation Clean Stream will take place on August 24th and 25th. Registration will begin at 9:00 A.M. the morning of the 24th. The Passport to Clean Water program will begin at 11:00 A.M. and run until 1:30 P.M.
• Most new volunteers can join us at Greentree Park in Kirkwood at 9 A.M. on Saturday. You will be assigned to a nearby cleanup site at that time. Some sites are within walking distance, others are a very short drive from Greentree. You can choose to volunteer at a different location other than Greentree Park if you prefer.  When you register online, you can choose your location at that time.

• There is no minimum age requirement for participation, as long as children under 18 are under sufficient adult supervision.

• Those who wish to float on the river are responsible for coordinating your own boats and transportation. Please contact us if you plan to float so that we can connect you up with the trip leader responsible for the section of river you want to float.

• All participants will be provided with gloves, trash bags, and a free OCS t-shirt (while supplies last).  Free lunch will also be available at Greentree Park, Route 66 State Park, George Winter Park, Arnold City Park, and Meramec State Park. 

• You are welcome to volunteer for as many or as few hours as you want, but you can expect to finish no later than 5 P.M.  

• Boy and Girl Scout volunteers can request to receive a Certificate of Achievement and a OCS patch. 

Operation Clean Stream helped spur the Lower Meramec River Watershed's renaissance, and is in large part responsible for returning the river to its former glory.  Gone are the days when dilapidated bank-side cabins lined the river, and trash that included cars and home appliances were common sights lodged along its shores.  Today, the Meramec River Watershed is a pristine tribute to the thousands of volunteers who have worked throughout the past 40-plus years to reclaim and maintain this area gem.

"When an area is kept free of trash and other debris, visitors are more respectful and reluctant to add trash to the area."
- 30-year veteran volunteer, Jerry Castillon

Our 2012 Sponsors & Partners:

2012 Operation Clean Stream a Great Success