Cleaning up the community includes the roads and paths we travel on land, but it also includes the water. The third annual Salt River Fall Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, and is organized to clean the river and celebrate National Public Lands Day.

“There are lots of ways for trash to end up in the river,” said organizers with Salt River Raft and Paddle. “But there’s only one way for it to get out: by us pitching in. Fall is the perfect time to remove trash and debris while the water is low, leaving the river fresh, clean, and ready for its winter coat.”

The cleanup is open to all ages and abilities, inviting community members to help remove trash that has accumulated both in and along the Salt River.

This year, the Snake River Fund will have a “Refuse Recovery Raft” available to carry a limited number of participants during the cleanup. The raft will allow participants to more easily access the river and clean up the banks and water along the way.

Participants are asked to meet at the Diversion River Access from 9 to 10 a.m. and bring their own gear, if possible (waders, wetsuits, or drysuits, watercraft, etc.). If you have none of those items, that is fine, too. All are welcome and there will be an option to clean up the shore and access areas, on dry ground. Bring bags and gloves to assist in trash collection. Participants are also encouraged to bring snacks, drinking water, dry clothes, etc. a more detailed list of items can be found at the event website at the end of this article.

At the end of the cleanup, there will be a raffle drawing for those who check in. Smaller prizes include local gift cards and other items. There is a grand prize of a Star Valley Raft and Paddle kids camp or paddle sport experience for four.

According to organizers, “This year we can in fact clean all the way to the confluence with the Snake, usually deep under Palisades Reservoir. Last year we recovered 10 tires and a quarter ton of trash. Our goal this year is to do even more!”

Schedule:

9-10 a.m.: Meet at Diversion River Access

10 a.m.: Sections and teams assigned

3:45 p.m.: Final trash collection at Diversion River Access

4 p.m.: Raffle Drawing

4:15 p.m.: Event end

For a map with the location, early sign-up form, and more information about the Salt River Fall Clean Up, visit https://www.StarValleyRaftAndPaddle.com.