Cleanup of the Kalamazoo River Watershed in Kalamazoo

Next date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Join us in celebrating and caring for the Kalamazoo River Watershed with a community-wide cleanup effort! Whether you prefer walking the shoreline, wading into the creek, or paddling along the river, there are opportunities for everyone to pitch in and make a difference. This event is free to attend and open to all ages.

Register Now!

Arrival & Check-In

• All participants should arrive at 12:00 PM at Mayor’s Riverfront Park.
• At check-in, you’ll receive safety instructions, some personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, snacks, and refreshments.
• Leaders will help guide you to your cleanup location or shuttle you to your launch site.
• Please note: no boat rentals are available. Paddlers must bring their own vessels and gear.

Ways to Participate

On Foot:

• In-Creek Cleanup (Portage Creek): Help collect trash directly from Portage Creek while wading. Waders required.
• On-Shore Cleanup (Portage Creek & Kalamazoo River): Walk the shoreline and surrounding areas to pick up litter. No waders required. Cleanup locations will be assigned at check-in. Participants will use their own vehicles to travel to assigned sites.

In Vessel (Kalamazoo River Paddle, for experienced paddlers with their own canoe or kayak):

• Cleanup route: Mayor’s Riverfront Park → Commerce Lane.
• Drop your boat at Mayor’s Riverfront Park upon arrival.
• After check-in, drive to Commerce Lane to park your vehicle.
• Courtesy shuttles (provided by the City of Kalamazoo) will return you to the launch site.
• Kalamazoo River Watershed Council volunteers will watch vessels at the put-in location.
• Safety Requirements for Paddlers: Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (life jacket), gloves, waders, or other protective footwear

Event Partners

This cleanup is a collaboration between:

• Edison Resident Scholars / Kalamazoo Literacy Council
• Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
• City of Kalamazoo
• Lake Allegan / Kalamazoo River Phosphorus TMDL Signatories

Why It Matters

Our rivers and creeks are vital to the health of our community and environment. By coming together to remove litter and debris, we can help restore the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Kalamazoo River Watershed.

Quick Checklist Before You Come

• Arrive at Mayor’s Riverfront Park at 12 PM for check-in
• Bring waders (if walking in the creek)
• Bring your own vessel and gear (if paddling)
• Wear sturdy, protective footwear
• Be ready to get a little dirty and have fun!

When

Location

Mayors' Riverfront Park, 251 Mills Street, Kalamazoo, 49048, View Map