NFL Teams Up with Local Group for Earth Day Cleanup

DE PERE, Wis. — The NFL Green Team collaborated with the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance to host a trash cleanup event along the Fox River on Earth Day. Volunteers gathered to enhance the river’s appearance ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.

Sisters Jackie Vandehey and Betty Zondag traveled from Kaukauna to participate in the cleanup. “We live on the Fox and it needs more work,” Zondag said. Vandehey shared her motivation, stating, “I have never done anything like this before, so I thought I could give back a little of my time.”

Approximately 80 volunteers, including Richie Gold and his coworkers, worked at the Bomier Boat Launch. Gold expressed the team’s goal, saying, “We saw the opportunity to come clean up the river before we get to show it off to the world.” After two hours, volunteers collected bags of trash, a metal pipe, and a plastic chair from the river.

Jessica Schultz, Executive Director of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, explained that litter is not the primary concern affecting the river’s health. “What our river and what our bay is polluted with right now is more natural things,” Schultz said, citing phosphorus from grass clippings and leaves as well as sediment runoff.

Schultz emphasized the importance of education about reducing pollution. She encouraged practices such as sweeping grass clippings off sidewalks and picking up pet waste to maintain a healthy habitat for wildlife. Zondag noted, “It’s wonderful to have eagles to watch in the backyard,” highlighting the natural beauty of the Fox River.

As the cleanup concluded, Schultz reiterated the collective responsibility, stating, “Everyone can do something to improve the water quality.”