A Swift Current Resident's love of the Chinook Parkway is driving her to lend a hand in helping to maintain it.

Laura Siever, who works at Nature's Nook, has been cleaning up garbage along the banks of the Swift Current Creek since the winter months left the southwest.

"Well as far as the actual creek bank cleanup, I've probably been doing that about four weeks. Otherwise, I just do the usual pickup along the way on the trail," she said.

In Siever's four weeks of cleanup, she says she has lost track of the number of large garbage bags that have been filled so far. However, she says she doesn't want the focus on what she's doing. Instead, she says its why she's doing it that is important.

"Who wouldn't want this creek running through their city? It's beautiful to walk along, and just take in the sights," she said. "The City shouldn't have to clean up the garbage that is lodged in the grass and bushes along the creek; they already pick up the garbage in the cans, which is where it should all be located anyways."

Siever says the idea for the task was born after she attempted taking pictures of wildlife during her walks. She noticed on multiple occasions that garbage was lying next to the wildlife in the photos.

"All kinds of garbage; I don't even really want to mention everything I've seen and have had to pick up."

The cleanup, according to Siever, is being done before the long grass fills in. As well, she wants to avoid disrupting bird nests and animal ecosystems, as their benefit is part of the reason for the task.

For those individuals wanting to assists in creek bank cleanup, Siever says even the simplest of tasks can be effective during their own free time.

"It would just be really nice if people could take part, grab a grocery bag when you go for a walk and pick up pieces of garbage you see along your way," she said. "The experience has been a good one though, and I hope it catches on."

The Swift Current resident also says she hopes to one day enjoy a garbage-free Chinook Parkway, but enjoys helping out in the meantime.