Downtown group take part in 2nd annual cleanup of Zumbro River

(ABC 6 News) -The 2nd annual clean-up of the downtown portion of the Zumbro River kicked off bright and early this morning.

Last year, the cleanup team found mounds of trash, including over 50 golf balls, some welding equipment, and even a rusty bike.

This year, the Rochester Downtown Alliance, along with the Rochester Clean and Safe Ambassadors, are hoping to find a lot less trash and debris.

For seven hours, the teams worked via boat and along the river bank, cleaning up the Zumbro as they went. It can be tough work, but the staff is happy to do it.

"Zumbro river is an underutilized feature and we want to make sure that it’s something that we can enjoy for long periods of time. That’s why we do what we do, and just to keep the Earth healthy; it’s good stewardship," said Katie Adelman, the RDA Director of Content and Communications.

With the holiday weekend approaching, the cleanup team wants to remind everyone to be mindful of their trash. If you are out near the river this weekend, they ask that you throw your garbage in designated areas or take it with you.