ALBANY — The Lake Winnetka Sugar River Improvement Association Inc. will hold its annual Sugar River cleanup from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18 in Albany. The group will meet at the Albany American Legion Hall, 300 N. Water St. across from the boat ramp near the police/fire station. 

The goal will be to remove as much garbage as possible from the river and its banks. The group also hopes to clear a path through fallen trees that block navigation of canoes and create hazards. The type of work varies from walking the banks or riding in canoes and picking up trash to cutting tree branches and handing them to people on shore. 

Equipment needed is canoes or small boats, chain saws, bow saws and waders. The association will provide trash bags and local businesses will provide food and refreshments. The group will be organized by 9 a.m. and will begin cleaning around 10 a.m. or sooner. A representative will be on-premise at the Albany American Legion to direct those who come later. The clean-up is registered with the American Rivers National River Cleanup. Scout groups can earn community service points by helping.

For more information, e-mail lwsria@aol.com or find the group on Facebook by searching Lake Winnetka/Sugar River Improvement Association, or call 608-862-1698 or 773-418-7123. Leave a message including a name and phone number.