Largest annual clean-up of the American River Parkway is about to begin. How you can volunteer
About 1,000 people will be collecting trash along the American River Parkway Saturday, as a part of the Great American River Clean-Up — and you can be one of them.
This is the American River Parkway Foundation’s largest annual clean-up event and is held on California Coastal Cleanup Day, a volunteer commitment to tidy local waterways and beaches.
“The Great American River Clean-Up helps remove tens of thousands of pounds of trash from the American River Parkway in one day,” Dianna Poggetto, the Parkway Foundation’s executive director, said in a news release. “This is a great way for the community as a whole to come together and help with efforts to conserve our urban jewel.”
The event is open to people of all ages, however, some locations are for individuals 18 and over. Those under 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian, and those 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
When
The clean-up event runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 17.
Locations
Volunteers can choose from more than 20 sites. They include:
- Discovery Park: Boat Ramp Lot, 1600 Garden Highway
- Steelhead Creek: 2052 Railroad Drive
- Northgate River Access: 1400 Northgate Blvd
- C Street Access: Sacramento Northern Bike Trail, 1917 - 1901 C Street
- Cal Expo RV Park: 500 Ethan Way
- Sutter’s Landing: 20 28th Street
- Paradise Beach: Glen Hall Park, 5201 Carlson Drive
- Northrop River Access: Approximately 2103 Northrop Ave
- West Guy Bridge: South Bank, approximately 945 University Drive
- Howe Ave River Access: 7925 La Riviera Drive
- Watt Avenue River Access: Approximately 8703 La Riviera Drive
- Larchmont River Access: 2528 Rio Bravo Circle
- Gristmill River Access: 9513 Mira Del Rio Drive
You can find the full list of volunteer locations, which include sites in Rancho Cordova, Carmichael and Folsom, on the foundation’s website.
How to sign up
You can sign up to volunteer by selecting the location you’re interested in cleaning up and filling out the online form from the foundation.
What to know before you go
There will be supplies, such as bags, first aid kits and hand sanitizer.
According to the foundation, bring water and remember to take breaks and be aware of heat exhaustion. It advises that you wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, a hat, long pants, sunscreen, gloves and bug spray.