American River Parkway Foundation Launches Annual River Cleanup

Saturday morning, the sun will be rising over Sacramento’s beloved American River Parkway, and a steady stream of volunteers will be ready with trash bags, gloves and good intentions. It’s the Great American River Clean‑Up, the foundation’s flagship event that draws the most helpers each year.

Thirteen spots stretch across the 23‑mile stretch of the parkway, each one a little pocket of water, grass and trail that needs a little love. Participants will sweep away litter, spread fresh mulch, and tackle small beautification projects that make the riverbanks feel welcoming again.

“We run solely on volunteers,” says Jules Baez, the ARPF community‑engagement volunteer manager, smiling as she watches a group of high school students unzip their backpacks. “Everything we do is about protecting this parkway and giving people a beautiful place to visit. Our lovely volunteers make that possible.”

The clean‑up kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs until noon. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to get a little muddy and a desire to see the river sparkle. While anyone can walk up and join, organizers recommend signing up ahead of time at arpf.org to help coordinate crews.

Local families, retirees, college students and newcomers to the area have all taken part in past years, swapping stories while they work. It’s as much a social gathering as it is a stewardship effort, and the river benefits from the combined effort of dozens of hands.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the American River Parkway Foundation or simply looking for a way to give back to the community, the Great American River Clean‑Up offers a chance to make a visible difference. Grab a pair of gloves, bring a friend, and help keep the river clean for generations to come.