“Too Cool for School” Concord Academy students show off their fashionable highway cleanup vests. - FWS photo

On September 13^th, Jordan River NFH staff and volunteers completed the two-mile highway clean-up on US 131. 

Eight student volunteers from the Concord Academy Charter School participated for this fall cleanup.  The students ranged from high school freshmen to seniors. 

Everyone went through a short orientation session which included a safety video.  Once everyone was trained the students and staff donned the fashionable orange vests and work gloves and “Hit the Road”. 

U.S. 131 is a main thoroughfare through Western Michigan where it runs north and south bound from the Indiana border to Petoskey Michigan, about 30 miles north of the hatchery.  The crew filled over a dozen bags of litter. 

The highway cleanup program occurs state-wide in spring, summer and fall. The students and other frequent volunteers come together to reach a common goal and to set an example for the public about our commitment to the resources. 

After the work is done, everyone goes back to the hatchery for a cook out lunch.  Those who are interested receive a tour of the facility and are given an opportunity to participate in daily work activities, such as weighing feed buckets, feeding tanks or raceways or even folding brochures for the visitor center.  This event is not only a benefit to the environment but a benefit to all who participate.