OPERATION CLEAN STREAM at Simpson Lake

IT'S PAYBACK TIME, YAK PACKERS! A bunch of us do this every year, and we have a ball! Super fun day, and you feel really good when you finish...even if you are filthy and stinky! This is the link to sign up for Simpson.

- Operation Clean Stream — Open Space STL

UPDATE 7/7/25:

I have reserved 5-6 canoes for our "Tails on the Trails" group, which is registered with Open Space. Their registration site is not user friendly, but I talked to Katie with that organization and she knows we are coming.

In 2023, we were caught in a huge thunderstorm coming across the lake, but we were cleaner than usual when we landed. In 2024, we had a campout planned and missed this. We were all super disappointed, it's such a fun day.

There are also locations along the Meramec River, but you have to sign up early for those spots. Registration just opened July 1st. If you want to do a river route instead of Simpson, use the link above and go on your own. You will need a buddy in your canoe, so bring a friend.

You absolutely do NOT want to use your own kayaks, especially inflatables. We pick up tires, bicycles, soccer balls and a ton of plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Look at the picture above. That's us.

They provide a lunch for all volunteers, from all locations, after the cleanup. Usually there are t-shirts and other give-aways. This year, it's going to be held at Simpson Lake pavilion. Can't get much easier than that. Hot dogs, soda/water/beer and great company. A lot of people show up for the after party.

DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN BOAT.

***DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG! *** You might have some nasty stuff or sharp objects in your canoe. This involves sometimes nosing your boat into the bank to grab junk. You don't need a furball up front blocking your way or trying to go ashore. Plus, lots of sharp edges.

There is also a land based cleanup, but wear high top boots if you plan to do that. There may be more canoes available on a first come/first serve basis. There were extras last year.

Bring your PFD, just in case, but I plan to use theirs. It's a very dirty day for us, and hopefully they provide nasty PFDs. They do provide gloves, paddles and trash bags. You will have to sign a waiver before you join in.

With all of the enjoyment we get out of Simpson Lake, I hope that some of our people will join in to help remove the trash that we always complain about.