(Salida, Colo.) – The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) are hosting the 34th Annual Clean Up Green Up in conjunction with Colorado Public Lands Day on Saturday May 17.
Volunteers can preselect online or register in person day-of for a location in the Arkansas River drainage between Granite and Parkdale to clean trash and debris to prepare for a busy summer season. The cleanup coincides with the start of spring snowmelt and runoff.
There will be two volunteer registration/check-in stations from 8:30-9:30am on Saturday at Riverside Park in Salida and at the Buena Vista Community Center to get trash bags/gloves or to sign up day of for a location.. Volunteers are encouraged to pre sign up for a location at https://bit.ly/CUGU2025. Pre-registered participants don’t need to check in unless supplies are needed.
Trash drop off is from 10am-1pm at the F-Street parking lot in Salida and the Buena Vista Community Center, or behind the entrance sign at any AHRA-managed site throughout the day. Trash dumpsters are provided by Apex Waste and recycling sorting provided by B1 Energy. The volunteer picnic will be held from Noon to 1pm at Riverside Park in Salida. The first 20 Buena Vista participants will receive a lunch voucher to a local restaurant.
Clean Up Green Up is sponsored by High Country Bank, and in partnership with AHRA, GARNA, City of Salida, Town of Buena Vista, Salida-area Parks Open space & Trails (SPOT), Trout Unlimited, Salida Mountain Trails. B1 Energy and Apex Waste Solutions.
In conjunction with Clean Up Green Up, AHRA will be hosting the 3rd Annual Gear Up for Summer event, bringing the community together to gear up for a safe and fun summer, at Riverside Park. From 10am to 1pm local non-profits and land agencies will be set up with family-friendly activities and information on summer programs. Plus, the first 50 youth will receive a free PFD. For more information, visit https://garna.org/calendar/clean-up-green-up-4/ or contact AHRA at 719-539-7289 or GARNA at 719-539-5106.
