The 20th annual cleanup attracted up to 4,000 volunteers, according to Milwaukee Riverkeeper. In the Kinnickinnic River, bagging debris and tire removal was combined with learning the science of the river.
Sixteenth Street Community Health Center staff was on hand along with scientists from UW-Madison's Center for Limnology to talk about hydrology and even dip residents toes - covered with waders - into the river. They found fish, a few fish eggs and experienced what algae feels like.
Throughout the morning, cleanups took place at fifty sites throughout the Milwaukee River Basin - from Kewaskum in the northwest to Lyons Park south of the Kinnickinnic River.