Ouachita Parish, LA — Ouachita Green is proud to announce that Water Sweep 2025, held September 13, 2025, was a major success, with hundreds of volunteers uniting to clean local waterways and green spaces across the parish.
This year, 337 volunteers from 45 groups collected a total of 12,307 pounds of litter and debris. The numbers show a positive trend downward, demonstrating that education and personal responsibility are making a real impact in reducing litter in our community.
Site-by-site results:
- Ouachita Parish: 4 locations, 44 volunteers, 13 groups — 4,020 pounds
- Monroe: 3 locations, 69 volunteers, 12 groups — 2,660 pounds
- West Monroe: 4 locations, 99 volunteers, 17 groups — 2,000 pounds
- Sterlington: 1 location, 21 volunteers, 3 groups — 2,660 pounds
- University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM): 1 location, 104 volunteers — 187 pounds
“Water Sweep is proof of what we can accomplish when we come together for a cleaner, healthier parish,” said Sheila Kay Downhour Ouachita Green Executive Director. “The steady reduction in litter is encouraging. It shows that education and personal responsibility are paying off.”
We are also grateful to our sponsors: Living Well Foundation, Holyfield Construction, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waste Connections, Tensas Basin Levee District, Malmay & Associates, and SquarePlanIT. Their contributions made this event possible.
Water Sweep is held annually each September, bringing together volunteers, community organizations, and partners to protect waterways and promote a cleaner future.
Ou next major cleanup will be America Recycles Day on Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9am-1pm at the Monroe Civic Center. This event is open to all households in Ouachita Parish.
More information about Ouachita Green or to get involved in upcoming cleanups is available at https://ouachitagreen.org/ and 318-355-5622.