MUSKEGON, MI – A cleanup of Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake on Wednesday will include a demonstration of a remote-controlled litter collection device.
The Land and Water Stewardship Day on Aug. 16 will provide the public an opportunity to help clean up the festival site, eradicate invasive species, maintain native plants and learn about the Pixie Drone.
The drone is a floating device that collects litter that is later analyzed by the Annis Water Resources Institute operated by Grand Valley State University next to Heritage Landing. Analysis helps determine the sources of litter and their pathways.
The water drone is being deployed at several areas in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin alongside the BeBot beach cleaning robot. Meijer donated $1 million for both devices.
Related: Watch drones pick up litter on Michigan beaches and waterways
The Stewardship Day begins at 9 a.m. and will include guest speakers from the Water Resources Institute, Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Heritage Landing group.
The event is part of ongoing cleanup and habitat restoration events focused on the Muskegon Lake Watershed. Hands-on instruction will be provided on identifying, tagging and removing invasive plant species.
Participants are advised to bring work gloves and to wear sturdy shoes.
Another cleanup/restoration event will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at Richards Park, 44 W. Ottawa St.
The events are hosted by the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership and Friends of Heritage Landing.
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