SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Volunteers weren't afraid to dip their toes into the muddy waters of the Big Sioux River On Saturday morning in Sioux Falls. "Well, it's a nice day. More hands make less of a chore," volunteer Tim Panger said. That chore was removing trash from the river. Volunteers started at Pasley Park and waded their way to Riverdale Park. Another group started their trek at Rotary Park. "In past years we've had about four to six canoes with us, and we filled them to the brim with trash. We found, of course, hundreds of plastic bags and bottles that you'd expect. But we also find some other things that maybe you wouldn't expect to be in there," Emily Oyos, Friends of the Big Sioux River's outreach coordinator said. South Dakotans react to app age checks Saturday morning was no different. Groups found enough trash to fill a number of bags and even a few other items. "I realize how much our area has so much to improve on and anything we can help to clean up our rivers and keep it nice for everyone. I know it's, it's a big task to do, but every little bit helps," volunteer Carey Haugen said. The cleanup is organized by Friends of the Big Sioux River. It's the third year they've partnered with Sioux Empire Paddlers. "The friends of the Big Sioux River are trying to clean the river up enough so you can swim in it, and this is all part of that," Panger said. "We need to clean up the riverbanks. We need to clean it all up so we can get to that goal." "It's also really important for the wildlife that live there. It's not fair to them to be stuck with bikes and barrels and plastic bags and whatnot that are in the river. It's just really important for people to come out and to help clean up our local environment," Oyos said. A free lunch was provided for volunteers following the cleanup.