Since dog poop contains bacteria and parasites that can contaminate water and soil and carry diseases, picking up dog waste in and around Steamboat Springs is important.

The Steamboat Digs Dogs group is looking for approximately 30 volunteers to help with the annual Spring Poop Pickup Day set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Volunteers should meet by 11 a.m. at Third and Oak streets in the parking lot behind Wells Fargo Bank for site assignments and to pick up supplies such as plastic gloves, trash bags and buckets. Volunteers should bring their own filled water bottles and can bring their own spade or small shovel for use. Volunteers will work for several hours along area trails and parks.

For questions, visit SteamboatDigsDogs.org or contact the group’s secretary, Paula Silverman, at 970-819-8386.

Experts say even if a dog does not show symptoms of being sick, their waste can carry various bacteria, viruses, diseases or intestinal parasites such as roundworms that can be transmitted to people and other pets. Spring rains can further distribute the hazards. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies dog poop as a pollutant in the same category as oil spills, herbicides and insecticides.

Volunteers will be treated to pizza, drinks and a prize drawing following the dog waste clean-up event.