A Saturday of Sweat Along the River

The Rotary Club of Kalamazoo is asking neighbors in Parchment, Kalamazoo, and Comstock to grab trash bags and head to the river this Saturday. The Third Annual Kalamazoo River Cleanup runs from 10 a.m. to noon on June 20, according to organizers.

Volunteers will remove debris and trash from the water, riverbanks, and surrounding trails. The goal is to restore natural habitats and improve water quality for recreational use, according to the event website.

"This was a fun and satisfying way to help my community. You could really see the results of our work!" said volunteer Nick C., according to the Kalamazoo River Cleanup website.

Where and How to Join

General volunteers begin orientation at 10 a.m. at worksites they select during registration. Kayak and canoe volunteers arrive earlier. They report for orientation at 8:30 a.m. and launch at 9 a.m., according to the event schedule.

People who arrive after 10 a.m. should check in at Mayors Riverfront Park for a brief orientation before joining a worksite group, according to organizers.

The cleanup spans parks, waterways, and trails across Kalamazoo, Comstock, and Parchment. Registration is free. Volunteers sign up at kalamazoorivercleanup.org.

Afterparty at Mayors Riverfront Park

The cleanup ends with a community celebration from noon to 2 p.m. at Mayors Riverfront Park. The afterparty features live music, food, and family activities, according to the event website.

"We brought our grand-kids along, and it was a fantastic family activity. We learned a lot about the local area and the importance of keeping our rivers clean," said volunteers Mike and Kathy G.

Who Is Behind It

The Rotary Club of Kalamazoo organizes the event in partnership with local community organizations. The cleanup is funded through sponsorships and donations to Kalamazoo Rotary Club Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization, according to the event website.

Sponsorship tiers include:

  • Headwaters Benefactors: $1,500 and up
  • River Patrons: $750 to $1,499
  • Stream Supporters: $250 to $749
  • Spring Friend: Up to $249

Sponsors of $100 or more receive logo placement on the event website, according to organizers.

Why It Matters

Parchment sits along the Kalamazoo River corridor. The cleanup targets areas that residents use for fishing, paddling, and walking. Organizers say the project preserves natural resources for future generations, according to the event website.

"Being part of the cleanup made me realize the importance of taking action. Seeing the river transform was rewarding, and I felt like I truly made a difference," said volunteer Jerry A.