Fulfilling the MSD commitment to safe, clean waterways includes hosting and participating in a variety of community events, many of which offer volunteer opportunities in Louisville and the surrounding area. Some of those volunteer events are trash cleanups. Litter harms the health of our local waterways and slows down the stormwater drainage system, thus increasing the likelihood and duration of inland flooding. So, being a part of these events is a great way to make a difference.
View the listings below to find ways to lend a helping hand.
March 19, 2025 – Shawnee Park Cleanup
Shawnee Park Boat Ramp
Join us on March 19 for a Shawnee Park cleanup! We’ll be there from 9 a.m. to noon to clean up litter and debris from February’s storms. Gloves, trash bags and pick sticks will be provided; no heavy lifting is necessary.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054DA9A82AAAF4C34-55570670-shawnee?useFullSite=true#/
March 27, 2025 – Salt River Summit
Shelby County Public Library - 309 8th St, Shelbyville, KY 40065
4 - 7:45pm
A gathering for those who live, work and play in the Salt River Basin. This is a re-branding of the Salt River Watershed Watch Annual Conference to be more inclusive of all the great things happening in water locally. Join us to learn, engage and connect with organizations and individuals working to celebrate and protect the waterways of the Salt River Basin.
Event Details: www.bit.ly/saltriversummit2025
April 19, 2025 – Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep
Cherokee Park – parking lot at Lexington Road and Ledge Road
We’re bringing back the annual Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep! This event brings together organizations and community members who want to make a big impact on their local environment by removing trash in Beargrass Creek. More information is provided in the registration link below.
Registration Link: Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep Registration
Now – May 18th Submissions Open for the 2025 Ripple Effects Student Photo Contest
The 5th annual Ripple Effects Photo Contest — open to students from kindergarten through high school — is returning to Kentuckiana! Students, show us what clean waters in Louisville mean to you. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best photographs in the following age categories: kindergarten through 2nd grade; 3rd through 5th grade, middle school and high school. Photo submissions are due by May 18 (one photo per student). For complete rules and to enter, visit the Ripple Effects page.
The Ripple Effects Photo Contest is presented by the Louisville Free Public Library, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education, Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, University of Louisville College of Education and Human Development, Louisville Water Company, Waterfront Park, MSD, Louisville Photographic Society, Louisville Photo Biennial, River City Paddle Sports and Ripple Effects International, and is made possible through a grant from the Louisville Sustainability Council and donors to the Library Foundation.
In conjunction with the photo contest, free photography workshops are being held throughout the region. Each workshop starts with an introduction to the art of photography. Participants then have opportunities to practice taking water-inspired images, with guidance from professional photographers. Good quality digital cameras are available to borrow from the Louisville Public Library Main Branch at 301 York St, Louisville KY 40203.
Photo Contest Details: lfpl.org/photocontest
Register for a Free Photography Workshop Here: registration form
