Davenport is taking part in a new program aimed at reducing the amount of trash that makes its way into local waterways.

The effort is led by the EPA and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Here's how it works: they're going to install trash capture devices at Duck Creek in Marquette Park and in Goose and Silver Creeks. It's called the Osprey initiative and the devices will be in place through the fall. They'll look like this:

As WHBF reports, the goal of the CEC's project is to raise awareness about the flow of litter downstream to the ocean. The other devices are at Sumidero Canyon National Park near Tuxtla Gutierrez in Mexico and at Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada.

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Party in the Park Kickoff

You're invited to help kick off the marine litter project on July 7th at Marquette Park from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 

There will be activities and you can learn more about the project and Davenport's role in marine litter reduction.

After the capture devices are retrieved, phase two of the project will include community conversations, science-based activities for citizens, and workshops. That's set to begin next year.

Davenport Public Works spokesperson Robbin Dunn said in a release:

Awareness of the litter issue has been on the rise over the last few years. We hope to learn a lot from the Marine Litter project and that the experience will result in changing behaviors across Davenport and the QC region for the future of our waterways. Prevention and management of individual and organizational waste is key to reducing litter.

For more details, go to www.davenportiowa.com/litter.