09/23/23
8th annual National Public Lands Day
lower salt river cleanup
On Saturday, September 23th, 2023, we teamed up with AVNET, the US Forest Service Tonto National Forest, & NEEF for our 8th annual National Public Lands Day Lower Salt River Cleanup.
186 volunteers, including 31 youth volunteer, helped us remove 2,420 pounds (1.21 tons) of trash & invasive cockleburs from the Lower Salt River. Thank you to everyone who helped us make a positive impact on the river for the 40th anniversary of National Public Lands Day!
Volunteers picked up trash at Phon D Sutton, Sheep Crossing, Blue Point, Pebble Beach and other sites along the river. Volunteers assisted Salty Scuba Squad divers and hauled trash up to the parking lot. The River Rangers were also at Phon D picking up trash volunteers on foot could not reach.
Two dive teams from Salty Scuba Squad removed trash underwater at Sheep Crossing and Pebble Beach. Volunteers on paddle boards and kayaks assisted divers and picked up trash volunteers on foot could not reach.
Volunteers found sunglasses, shoes, sheets, towels, hats, clothing, shade canopies, pallets, cans, bottles (full & empty), river toys, and so much more!
Thank you to everyone from the US Forest Service Tonto National Forest for your support of this event!
We would like to thank our Sponsors! Without their support, events like this would not be possible. Thank you for helping us put our mission into action every day!
AVNET, AZ 4Runner Outsiders, Arizona Toy Pros, Battle Born Offroad, Desert Monsters Tours, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, Illuminated Funds Group, Nitro Gear & Axle, the OdySea Aquarium Foundation, REI Co-op, Salt River Project, State 48 Overland, Stellar Adventures, Tru Flask, Victory 4x4, and Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative.
click picture for full-size image gallery
Photos courtesy of Justin & Nicole Corey
BEFORE
AFTER
Photos courtesy of AVNET
Photos courtesy of Burt Morin
Thank you MP Environmental Services, Inc. for donating a dumpster & disposal fees!
Raffle Winners
Thank you to PHX Adventure Co for donating a 2-night rental on Betsy, an adventure rental bus! Thank you to REI’s Goodyear Distribution Center for donating 2 Pack-away 12 Coolers, 4 ENO Moonshine Lanterns, & 3 Gregory 3-liter Backpack Reservoirs! Thank you to Tru Flask for donating a 40oz bottle!
