KC Plogtober wraps 2024 season

Congratulations go out to Team JOCO, who brought home the "Top Plogger" award this year by delivering the largest single-day volunteer turnout at their Shawnee cleanup at Herman Laird Park. Additionally, Team Jackson County was recognized for providing the largest total amount of ploggers throughout the month of October. They are represented in the award photo by Carl Stafford, who organized the successful cleanup at Boon Area 1 in South Kansas City.

Volunteers picked up aluminum cans, paper wrappers, cigarette butts and a plethora of materials that clog our sewer drains and contaminate our watersheds.

And all of us live in a watershed that flows to some creek, stream, river, or estuary, which all flow into each other at some point. Stormwater runoff, especially in torrential rains and flooding conditions, transports these contaminants as "non-source-point-pollution" into these waterways. So, remember: If it's on the ground, it's in our water! 

Visit MARC's Water Quality education website for more ways to reduce watershed pollution and ways to prevent runoff by collecting rainwater and planting deep-rooted native plants. And any time you want to go for a scenic stroll – in your favorite park or neighborhood – bring a small bag and pair of protective gloves to pick up litter when you see it. Plogtober may be over, but being a good steward of your community is something you can be any time or any place.