20th Anniversary Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup
SALIDA, Colorado – The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area announces the 20th Anniversary Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup on Saturday, May 21. The first Arkansas River Cleanup was held May 9, 1992 and Colorado Gov. Roy Romer issued a proclamation declaring the day as “Arkansas River Clean-Up Day,” said AHRA Program Assistant Rose Bayless.
At the annual cleanup, over 350 volunteers pick up litter and debris along the banks of the Arkansas River and on other public land between Leadville Colorado and Canon City Colorado. Individuals and groups can sign up on May 21, from 9 to 10 a.m., at the Buena Vista Community Center parking lot on East Main Street in Buena Vista Colorado, the AHRA Visitor Center at 307 W. Sackett Street in Salida Colorado, or the Sugarbush Store in Howard Colorado. From there, the race is on to scour the river banks and other public lands for unwanted, unhealthy and unsightly trash.
Arkansas River Cleanup Sign up Locations:
More Event Details:
This year, volunteers will receive trash bags, a special 20th Anniversary gift and a volunteer “Cleanup” button which will serve as their ticket to the volunteer picnic following cleanup activities. The picnic takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Salida and will include food, prizes and fun. Remember to save any unique and interesting trash items you find and bring them to the picnic for the “trash contest.”
Bayless said this is a special year for the cleanup event and she hopes that folks from the community will not only come out in force to cleanup and greenup, but will gather at Riverside Park to share in the festivities. Buena Vista singer, songwriter and guitarist Carin Mari will provide afternoon entertainment, and at 4 p.m. FIBArk will have their crazy Cruiser Crit parade down F Street.
AHRA is working with the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U.S. Forest Service to make the 20th Anniversary Cleanup/Greenup another great success. Join us and give a little time and effort that will mean a lot! Call AHRA at (719) 539-7289 or GARNA at (719) 539-5106 for more information or for advance signups.
The AHRA is managed through a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado State Parks. Formed in 1989, this partnership allows agencies to provide visitors with recreation opportunities and care for significant natural resources of the Upper Arkansas River Valley. To learn more about the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, visit: http://www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/ArkansasHeadwaters/Pages/ArkansasHeadwatersHome.aspx
