The East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District will hold the 7th annual Stanislaus River Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 19, along the river banks in Ripon, Oakdale, and Riverbank.

It is part of the Great Sierra River Clean Up. Volunteers will converge on the river to haul away cigarette butts, broken bottles, tires, and more.

“It’s a great way to engage the community on the importance of taking care of our watershed,” said Trina Walley of the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District. “We have volunteers of all ages come out to help and enjoy a fun and worthwhile day on the river.” Volunteer registration is now open or you can come a little early to complete the forms on the day of event.  As river flows are again low on the river this year, it is anticipated a greater amount of trash can be removed with help from the community.  Volunteers must register for one of 3 clean-up sites in Oakdale, Riverbank and Ripon.  

 The event is part of the Great Sierra River Cleanup taking place on rivers throughout the Sierra region which in turn is part of the California-wide Coastal Cleanup Day.

“It’s the largest volunteer effort in the state,” noted Walley, “and we’re pleased to have the Stanislaus River on the list of waterways being cleaned up. This is an event for the whole family. We’re encouraging schools, churches and other groups to come and join us.”

Contact Walley at 209.491.9320 ext. 139 or trina.walley@ca.nacdnet.net for more information regarding cleanup locations and registration.