Volunteers Lead Hundreds Cleanup Projects Across Michigan, New York, Iowa, Oregon Rivers

Across the United States, numerous volunteer groups are actively engaged in cleaning and preserving local waterways to enhance environmental health and community well-being. In Port Crane, New York, over two dozen volunteers, organized by kayak rental company Take Adventures Everyday and the Village Alliance of the Southern Tier (VAST), spent a day cleaning the Chenango River by kayak and trail, emphasizing the importance of communal responsibility. Similarly, Michigan Waterways Stewards, founded by Michael Stout, has mobilized over 3,000 volunteers since 2022 to remove trash and obstructions from Michigan's rivers and streams, transforming local waterways and promoting recreational use. In Iowa, Project AWARE's 22nd annual river cleanup involves about 250 volunteers canoeing 60 miles of the Winnebago and Shell Rock rivers, combining trash removal with educational sessions on local history and water quality. Meanwhile, in Eugene, Oregon, the Willamette Riverkeeper's monthly 'Trashy Tuesday' events gather volunteers to clean sections of the Willamette River, collecting hundreds of pounds of debris and fostering community engagement with river stewardship. These coordinated efforts highlight the vital role of volunteers in maintaining clean waterways across diverse regions, combining environmental action with community connection and education.