Saturday, September 12, Ouachita Green will be hosting the Ouachita Parish Water Sweep 2026 at over 11 locations.
The Ouachita Parish Water Sweep is an event where volunteers can assist in cleaning up the waterways around Ouachita Parish, gathering trash both in the water and on the banks, as well as trash close to the shores that may end up in the water later.
From Forsythe in Monroe to the Boardman Boat Dock in Sterlington, there will be many places for people to help out with cleaning up the waterways.
The event will be beginning at 8 a.m. and will last until around 11 a.m.. Those at Sterlington will be starting a little later.
The Director of Ouachita Green, Sheila Kay Downhour, spoke about the event in an interview with Cory Crowe on Lagniappe, highlighting the importance of the event.
"The waterways are amazing in the fact that it gives life to us. Now, think about how many people of this past weekend were out on the water, enjoying it. Cleaning up our waterways is good for us," said Sheila Kay Downhour. "It's good because it encourages us to get out and just to enjoy the great outdoors, exercise, community, all those things. But it's also for our safety, because if our waterways are clean, just think about boating. If you're out and you're skiing or fishing or whatever, it needs to be safe for you."
"So there's all kinds of things, but it's also good for our economy," said Sheila Kay Downhour. "How much of our economy is based on skiing and fishing and bringing in tournaments, and people enjoying just splashing around and enjoying the water?"
Each location will free supplies to be handed out. Volunteers are asked to register before the event and to say which location they'll be located at, so that each location can have the correct amount of supplies.
Volunteers are also asked to wear closed toed shoes and to bring a refillable water bottle.
Registration for volunteering can be done at ouachitagreen.org/volunteer. Volunteers with boats and kayaks are welcome to the event, but volunteers are needed along the riverbanks as well. For more information about the Water Sweep, visit ouachitagreen.org/events/ouachita-parish-water-sweep-2026.
Also hosted by Ouachita Green will be the Fall Family Fun Fest, held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. This event will be held at the West Monroe Sports & Events. People are invited to come out with their families for games and prizes. For more information about this event, visit ouachitagreen.org/event/fall-family-fun-fest-2026.
