Cleaner Rivers, Stronger Community – Join the Grand Valley River Cleanup on April 19th!
The Grand Valley River Cleanup is dedicated to preserving and protecting our local waterways through community-driven action. Our mission is to remove trash and debris from the river and surrounding areas, promote environmental stewardship, and foster a stronger connection between people and the natural spaces that sustain us. By working together, we strive to keep our rivers clean, healthy, and thriving for future generations.
Upcoming Cleanup Dates:
- Spring Cleanup – Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Fall Cleanup – Saturday, September 13, 2025
How It Works:
- Volunteers meet at designated locations - Participants will need their own boat/raft/paddleboard etc. or organize a ride with a participant with a boat
- Receive safety gear & instructions
- Collect trash along the river
- Dispose of waste properly in provided dumpsters
- Wrap-up & appreciation BBQ
Organized by:
The Gear Junction, RiversEdge West, & Grand Valley Paddling Club.
What to Expect:
- Section-based cleanup assignments
- Safety briefing and instructions
- Appreciation BBQ after the cleanup
- Click here or below to view the timeline and starting point options
Preparing for the Grand Valley River Cleanup ensures a fun, safe, and productive day. Below is a list of what volunteers should bring and what we will provide to help make the cleanup successful.
What to Bring:
✅ Gloves – Durable work gloves to protect your hands while handling debris (we will have some available, but bringing your own is encouraged).
✅ Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important! Bring a reusable water bottle; water refill stations will be available.
✅ Sturdy Shoes – Closed-toe shoes or boots are required. Avoid sandals or flip-flops for safety reasons.
✅ Sun Protection – Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen will help protect you from the sun.
✅ Weather-Appropriate Clothing – Dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet.
✅ Personal Snacks – We will provide some refreshments, but feel free to bring extra snacks if you’d like.
What We Provide:
🗑 Trash Bags – Heavy-duty bags for collecting litter and debris.
🧤 Some Gloves – A limited number of gloves will be available for those who don’t have their own.
🪣 Buckets – Reusable buckets for collecting trash, helping to cut down on plastic waste.
🦺 Safety Gear – Depending on the location, we may provide high-visibility vests and other safety items.
♻️ Waste Disposal – Dumpsters will be available at designated locations to properly dispose of trash and recyclables.
By coming prepared, you’ll help us make a bigger impact and ensure a successful cleanup. Thank you for being part of this effort to protect our rivers!
Sponsorship & Donations
Why Sponsor? Fiscal sponsors play a vital role in the Grand Valley River Cleanup, providing essential funding for permits, insurance, volunteer supplies, waste disposal, transportation, and outreach. Your support also helps fund promotional materials and the appreciation BBQ, ensuring we can engage the community and properly thank our volunteers. Without your generosity, we couldn’t provide the resources needed to protect and restore our local waterways.
To donate prizes for volunteers, to become a sponsor, or for more information, please contact Ethan Ball:
📞: 970-628-4003
📧: Theshop@thegearjunction.com
📍: 436 Main Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
