WARSAW — The lakes and rivers of northern Indiana are the hub for some of the most popular weekend activities in the state. It’s these selfsame waters that need an immense amount of care and protection, which is provided not only by organizations like the Center for Lakes and Streams, but also by volunteer groups. The Paddlers For Conservation Paddler Club is one such group.

“First of all, we’re a volunteer based non-profit corporation. Our mission is to provide opportunity for kayaking and canoeing to the community while also providing educational opportunities,” stated Ed Roberts, president of the Paddlers For Conservation.

The P4C Paddle Club was founded by a group of friends who would float the Eel River in North Manchester. Eel River was clean and easy to navigate, and after giving some thought to the state of the Tippecanoe River, in May of 2015 they gathered some volunteers and began to get to work.

“We must have gotten more than six truckloads of trash out during that clean up,” Roberts said.

Ever since, Roberts and his organization have periodically cleaned up Tippecaone River from Oswego Lake to SR 19 and they have no intention of stopping.

“I’m hoping, by getting the community involved, our membership will really grow, and by that the clean up efforts won’t take nearly the effort they have these past year… We’re hoping to bring awareness to the sorts of pollution that’s out there.” Roberts continued.

Paddlers For Conservation isn’t just about cleaning up the Tippecanoe River.

“Other than working on the river we organize Family Fun Float trips… This year we worked with the Lakes Festival, coming up this June and we’re gonna be putting on a paddle wars competition,” said Roberts.

The P4C Paddle Club is currently looking for new members as well as local businesses or organizations that would be willing to donate to their cause. For more information about the P4C Paddle Club, visit the website.