This One Day Could Change Dubuque’s Outdoors — Here’s How

As someone who spends a lot of time outside — whether it's hiking around Swiss Valley, casting a line or kayaking at Heritage Pond, or watching muskrats move quietly through the reeds near John Deere Marsh — I’ve come to appreciate just how lucky we are in Dubuque County. We have access to some of the most beautiful and biodiverse outdoor spaces in the state. But we also have a shared responsibility to protect them.

On Friday, June 7th, the Dubuque County Watershed Clean-Up gives us a chance to do exactly that. Whether you’re a fisherman, a birder, a weekend hiker, or just someone who enjoys a peaceful walk by the mighty Mississippi, this is your invitation to give back to the places that give so much to us.

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Why Watershed Clean-Up in Dubuque?

Our watersheds are more than just creeks and rivers: they’re lifelines for wildlife, natural filters for clean drinking water, and the reason we have places to escape to in nature. But when litter piles up along trails or washes into storm drains, it doesn’t just make things look bad (and anger me); it damages habitats and harms the animals that live there.

This clean-up effort will focus on public land near waterways, but honestly, picking up trash anywhere in the county helps. What you see in a parking lot today might end up in the Mississippi tomorrow.

Key Locations to Get Involved:

• John Deere Marsh (Check out the photo gallery below of Deere Dike Park to see why this hidden gem is worth protecting)
• Heritage Pond & Trail (Read more about my recent trip below)
• Swiss Valley Preserve and Park
• River Museum Ice Harbor
• Bergfeld Pond

These are places many of us visit regularly in Dubuque and the surrounding areas, whether to fish, kayak, hike, or just get some fresh air with the kids. Keeping them clean is something we can all get behind.

READ MORE: Heritage Pond Offers Up Family Fun in Dubuque

What You Need to Know About Dubuque's Clean-Up Day

• Date & Time: Friday, June 7th – Clean-up starts at 9 AM
• Supplies: Gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and safety vests provided (limited supply)
• Sign Up: Register here or call 563-556-6745
• More Info: Contact Kaytlan Moeller at kaytlan.moeller@dubuquecounty.us

It’s Not Just Trash — It’s a Statement

When you show up for clean-up days, we’re doing more than picking up litter. You're showing our kids and our neighbors what it means to care. As a community, we’re saying, “These places matter.” And when we do it together, it adds up fast.

So grab a friend, bring your family, or come out solo and meet other outdoor enthusiasts. However you choose to show up, your time makes all the difference. Let’s make June 7th a day where we give back to the trails, ponds, and wild corners of Dubuque County that give us so much year-round.