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Delta Sigma Phi.
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MSU's Delta Sigs, Leaders of Men, Taking the Lead.
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Over a month ago, Meridian Township residents complained about the unsightly conditions along the Red Cedar River. It was later determined that this stretch of river fell under the jurisdiction of East Lansing, so Meridian Township forwarded the complaint.
Among the outdoor community this stretch of river is a known as being a predictably unsightly (trashy) area. It detracts from the natural beauty of this prized river and reflects poorly on our community |
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A Michigan Waterways Stewards January Red Cedar River assessment identified this stretch of river needing attention. Above and along the riverbanks, and in the river, the area was covered with litter, trash, and urban debris.
The area of concern is a 1.4 mile stretch beginning at the railroad in west Okemos and continues to Bogue Street:
The area of concern is a 1.4 mile stretch beginning at the railroad in west Okemos and continues to Bogue Street:
- As you approach the campus of MSU, this area becomes progressively thicker in businesses, light industry, and high density housing.
The primary area of concern is the area defined as .5 miles between Hagadorn Road and Bogue Street (see above). The secondary area is a .25 stretch before, or just east, of Hagadorn Road. |
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Near the center of the most littered area is Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, aka Delta Sigs. While not the primary source, their backyard and riverbank area was noticeably messy. There was considerable debris along their adjoining riverbank and it appeared there was either a discarded rough table below their deck and partially in the river.
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Click on each image below for full view.
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Due to Delta Sigs location, prominent presence, grounds keeping, and general Greek reputation, it makes Delta Sigs an easy target to blame.
Because of Michigan Waterways Stewards’s work, we were included in the chain of emails between the two municipalities. We were asked to help cleanup the area and encouraged to meet with the fraternity to urge them to take greater care of their property. |
Being a Sigma Chi from MSU, having friends who are current and former MSU professors and administrators, and active in the outdoors community, I am aware of the slanted perception of the Greek life. While we don’t have to agree, we must accept these perceptions are real and well entrenched. This is the reason why I agreed to reached out and connect with the Delta Sig chapter.
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Delta Sigs has a unique opportunity to take the lead in conducting a community project, one which will appreciably improve the appearance of our prized Red Cedar River. The goodwill generated will not only benefit Delta Sigs chapter and national, and all those who participate, it will shine a brighter light on MSU’s Greek community, student body, and the University.
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I was impressed with my initial Delta Sig visit and meeting Gage Farrow, their sergeant of arms. I am hopeful of strong chapter support and delivering the exceptional work as would be expected of a Delta Sig.
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DELEGATE AND EMPOWER
It is important to understand, Delta Sigs are not needing to do this alone. In fact, I encourage that they don’t. This will be a good lesson in business, “It is not so much what you can do, but what you can inspire others to do.
I suggest that Delta Sigs reach out to others to participate, to make work easier, more pleasant, and let others benefit from the goodwill created when participating in an important community project. Those others to consider include:
It is important to understand, Delta Sigs are not needing to do this alone. In fact, I encourage that they don’t. This will be a good lesson in business, “It is not so much what you can do, but what you can inspire others to do.
I suggest that Delta Sigs reach out to others to participate, to make work easier, more pleasant, and let others benefit from the goodwill created when participating in an important community project. Those others to consider include:
- Neighboring fraternities: Phi Kappa Psi, Delta Kappa Epsilon…
- Delta Sig's sister sorority: Unknown
- Neighboring apartments: Cedars Village, Waters Edge, River Park Americana, Woodmere, Lowerbrook, Norwood, Cedarview West, Cedarview East, Waterfront, Park Place…
- MSU Clubs: Outdoors, Fisheries and Wildlife, Rotaract..
- Local governments*: East Lansing and Meridian Township
- Local civic clubs and other organizations*: East Lansing and Haslett/Okemos Rotaries, Friends of the Red Cedar.
FOCUS AND PRIORITIZE
To not overwhelm anyone, let's put this project in perspective.
The entire stretch of river that we’re talking about, from Okemos railroad bridge to Bogue Street is 1.4 miles. If a total of 25 were to participate, each person would be responsible for a distance of 100 yards. To help improve focus, the top three priorities (see below) covers a distance of .79 miles, or just over half a football field per person.
The entire stretch of river that we’re talking about, from Okemos railroad bridge to Bogue Street is 1.4 miles. If a total of 25 were to participate, each person would be responsible for a distance of 100 yards. To help improve focus, the top three priorities (see below) covers a distance of .79 miles, or just over half a football field per person.
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Priority #1
The .5 miles between Hagadorn and Bogue Steet. Delta Sigma Phi is centrally located here. Priority #2 The .25 east of Hagadorn including Waterfront, Park Place, Capital Villa, and River Glen Apartments. Priority #3 The .4 miles beginning at the Railroad Bridge to River Glen Apartments. Superior Brass & Aluminum Ellison Brewery and Spirits, Collingwood, and Midilodge of Campus Area are found here. |
Click on image for full view.
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Consider the benefit of asking each neighboring apartment complex champion their own cleanup. The work not only becomes much easier, it also creates greater awareness for their need to improve grounds care too. Furthermore, while we are thinking of a Sunday, March 26, date, there is no reason why much of the work can't be done in advance. This will allow more to participate and make the work easier.
When you commit to a date and window of time, I will begin to share with others. Naturally, the grater the lead-time the greater the participation rates. Don’t worry so much about the details, as we can flush this out in due time.
The Red Cedar River is a prized river. Thank your interest and participation is greatly appreciated and it will be recognized. We will do all that we can showcase your great work.
"It is amazing the joy and ease in which we can accomplish great things, when working together."
Mike Stout
President and Founder, Michigan Waterways Stewards
Protecting and Improving our Treasured Waterways.
[email protected] | (952) 239-3943
www.MiWaterwaysStewards.org | Follow Us On Facebook
When you commit to a date and window of time, I will begin to share with others. Naturally, the grater the lead-time the greater the participation rates. Don’t worry so much about the details, as we can flush this out in due time.
The Red Cedar River is a prized river. Thank your interest and participation is greatly appreciated and it will be recognized. We will do all that we can showcase your great work.
"It is amazing the joy and ease in which we can accomplish great things, when working together."
Mike Stout
President and Founder, Michigan Waterways Stewards
Protecting and Improving our Treasured Waterways.
[email protected] | (952) 239-3943
www.MiWaterwaysStewards.org | Follow Us On Facebook
