The days of the Cuyahoga River catching on fire may be a thing of the past, but there is still a substantial amount of trash and debris lingering in the water. When Crooked River Adventures opened in mid-May, it made it a part of its mission to be mindful of the environmental concerns of the local community. Keeping true to its promise, Kent's newest business will host the second annual "Clean Up the Cuyahoga" on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Last years' event removed five tons of debris.

Last year's event volunteers removed more than five tons of debris from the river.

"In addition to our safety briefing, every customer we send down the river is educated on the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy," says Chris Hendricks, livery manager at Crooked River Adventures. "We educate them on how to safely and properly navigate the river with minimal impact to the environment."

Two groups of volunteers will travel down the river during the clean up event, picking up garbage along the way. Group one will depart from Tannery Park in Kent and travel to Brust Park in Munroe Falls. Group two will depart from Brust Park and travel to Waterworks Park in Cuyahoga Falls. Both groups will begin collecting trash at 8:30 a.m., with the event expected to last three to four hours.

"Crooked River Adventures has had such a tremendous first year," says Hendricks. "Nearly 2,000 people have paddled with us. We want to give back to the community that has so graciously welcomed us."

Volunteers will be shuttled to and from locations, provided the equipment they need to collect trash and served lunch. Crooked River Adventures will have 20 kayaks and seven canoes on hand for volunteers to use. Previous paddling experience is recommended, but not required. Any volunteers that have their own boats are welcome to bring them and return transportation will be provided.

The livery is also looking for volunteers to walk along the river bank, assist boaters and pick up debris along the shore.

To volunteer for the river clean up, contact Hendricks at 330-672-2802 or chendri9@kent.edu by Sept. 22.

Crooked River Adventures will complete its inaugural year this October. The Department of Recreational Services oversees the operation of the facility, which rents canoes, kayaks and bicycles for use in and near the Cuyahoga River in Kent, and has received statewide recognition for its award-winning boating programs from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.

For more information about Crooked River Adventures, call 330-541-7467 or visit www.kent.edu/crookedriver.

By Jason Hawk