Clarence Pedersen, chair of Living River, stands next to the Mulberry Bend Overlook sign located off of Hwy 15 in Nebraska/NPS

The Missouri National Recreational River has entered into a partnership with the Living River group of the South Dakota Sierra Club. The group has adopted Mulberry Bend Overlook and Trails, a part of the Missouri National Recreational River. They will help park staff keep the parking lot and trails free of litter, and help keep trails clear and safe and in good condition.

“As our motto states, ‘explore, enjoy and protect the planet,’ is one reason why the Living River group adopted the overlook,” said Clarence Pedersen, chair of Living River.

Inspired by nature, group members of Living River join together to protect the environment that affects communities, state, region, and nation by providing information to local, state, and national leaders. The group also provides opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors and to learn about environmental issues. The Living River group is based in Vermillion, South Dakota.

“The Missouri National Recreational River’s Adopt-A-Trail program is a litter-reduction campaign designed to ensure more regular trail maintenance, encourage a sense of pride and ownership of park areas, and raise awareness of the national park,” said Daniel Peterson, the national river's chief of interpretation, education and outreach.

Individuals, groups, and families interested in the adoption program are signed up as volunteers with the National Park Service and help remove litter and small branches from trails path and report larger maintenance needs to park staff.

“The Living River group’s recent adoption of Mulberry Bend Overlook, which is maintained by the National Park Service, is greatly appreciated,” said Chief Peterson. “Adopting a trail is a great way to enjoy the park trails and at the same time helping to keep them looking good.”

Individuals, groups or families interested in volunteering can inquire by calling Chief Peterson at 605-665-0209. Volunteers at Missouri National Recreational River play an active and vital role in the operation of the park. Volunteers are sought who have an interest in wildlife, conservation, the outdoors, or simply an enthusiasm for volunteering their time.

Located off Highway 15 in Nebraska across from the Vermillion-Newcastle Bridge, Mulberry Bend Overlook offers views of the Missouri river by a paved trail and a quarter-mile unpaved trail that winds through dense bluff forest of bur oak, cedar, ash, and other native trees.