Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium® and Diventures to host lake cleanup event

In partnership, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Diventures are hosting a free lake cleanup event at Wehrspann Lake, which is located at Chalco Hills Recreation Area, on Saturday, April 20 from 12 to 2 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the Wehrspann Lake entrance at noon.

This event is one of three lake cleanup events this spring and summer. Throughout the day, Zoo staff will be teaching participants about the qualities of a healthy freshwater ecosystem and easy ways they can help the environment in their own backyards. Attendees can also assist with testing the lake’s water chemistry. Keep Omaha Beautiful will be providing gloves and litter collection supplies for participants. “We are really excited to kick off this family friendly cleanup series,” said Elizabeth Mulkerrin, vice president of education at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “Not only is participating in the cleanup a great way for people to make a difference in their community, but we are hoping they will walk away with additional knowledge and tools for continuing their efforts in their own backyard.” The lake cleanup is part of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Diventures’ ocean health partnership. Together, the organizations are working to educate and engage the public through conservation- themed activities and events. “Diventures is happy to partner with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for freshwater and ocean health, an initiative that is very important to both organizations,” said Ronda Warren-Hatton, store manager at Diventures. “Through the cleanup events we want to create the opportunity for people to come together and do something good for the environment while learning about the importance of ocean health.” Hot chocolate, cider and water will be provided for participants. Reusable water bottles and thermoses are suggested. For more information, visit diventures.com/about/events/. Registration is not required.

Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top five zoos, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an independent not-for-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo is recognized nationally for its conservation, animal care and exhibit design. As a leader in conservation, the Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research focuses on areas to benefit animal husbandry and species conservation including conservation genetics, conservation medicine, rare plant conservation, reproductive sciences & comparative nutrition.