ITC Midwest’s commitment to the environment goes beyond financial support to putting literal boots on the ground — or more accurately, in the creek.
Not only is ITC Midwest the lead sponsor for the first annual Indian Creek Clean Up, but they are also gearing up to have employees participate in the clean up.
“ITC Midwest is committed to environmental sustainability, and volunteerism is a big part of this effort. By integrating volunteerism into our corporate culture, employees are encouraged to participate in activities such as planting trees, clean-up campaigns, and awareness programs on environmental conservation.” said Cydney Lovell, ITC Midwest Local Government and Community Affairs Area Manager.
The Indian Creek Clean Up is a creek walk that requires heavy volunteer participation. On August 3rd, 45 volunteers will walk Indian Creek to remove garbage, debris and other litter from the waterway. One group will begin where Indian Creek meets the Cedar River and begin walking upstream.
Another group will start upstream, near the covered bridge on Rosedale Road, and walk downstream. They’ll meet at the Bertram Road Bridge, where the removed debris will be loaded onto a truck (or two) and taken away from the creek.
The goal is that during a single Saturday morning, more than a mile of the creekbed will be left clean, beautiful and healthy for wildlife, plants and humans alike. While Indian Creek Nature Center has led creek clean ups in the past, this year is the start of a new annual tradition.
Establishing an annual event to keep the creek clean is only possible with the support of local organizations, like ITC Midwest, who support Indian Creek Nature Center financially and with their people power.
Lovell shared that “by integrating volunteerism into our corporate culture, ITC Midwest not only contributes to community well-being but also strengthens our organizational values in action including volunteering, integrity and responsibility.”
ITC Midwest believes that “caring for waterways reflects a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. It demonstrates a responsibility to maintain natural resources for future generations, ensuring that Iowa’s natural beauty and resources are preserved.”
The environmental commitment ITC Midwest makes toward land conservation aligns closely with Indian Creek Nature Center’s mission to build a more sustainable world through environmental education, land restoration and encouraging responsible interaction with nature.
“Like Indian Creek Nature Center, ITC Midwest has a longtime commitment to conservation efforts and best practices as it relates to land stewardship.” Lovell says. “We encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged in the discussion surrounding sustainability.”
ITC Midwest hopes to stay involved with ICNC in the future through a variety of collaborative efforts and initiatives that align with both organizations’ values and missions to integrate sustainable practices.
Even if it means getting wet and dirty marching through a creek, we can count on ITC Midwest to keep its commitment to improving the environment.