On September 28, 2019, the Kansas State University Backcountry Hunters & Anglers club hosted a Public Land Clean-up at Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area. This project was in coordination with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism to remove trash from within and along Deep Creek. Because this area is so close to Manhattan, and is easily accessible, over the years it has become a well known party spot.
Nine members from BHA at Kansas State and the Wildlife Society met at the Pillsbury Crossing parking area to discuss a game plan. Volunteers started off by cleaning up the parking area and trails upstream.
The remainder of the morning was spent focusing in two areas. Six volunteers used kayaks and canoes, which were provided by a local outdoors store; The Pathfinder, to remove trash and debris from within Deep Creek and along the steep banks. The remainder of the group focused on an area downstream from the waterfall.
Volunteers collected 17, 13-gallon bags of trash, mostly consisting of beer cans and bottles, a tractor tire, three car tires, and over 30 feet of hose. A few interesting finds included a full baby diaper, a bathroom rug, and the shell of a tv.
To thank volunteers for their hard work BHA club president Jack Kingsley prepared venison barbacoa tacos and homemade pico de gallo for lunch.
A big thanks to all of our volunteers who helped to protect one of Manhattan’s beloved wildlife areas, as well as The Pathfinder for allowing us to use their kayaks and canoe. If you’re interested in getting more involved with BHA, or there are issues in the area we can be of help with, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
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About Jack Kingsley
President of the Kansas State University Chapter of BHA.