A 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River got a major facelift thanks to hundreds of volunteers — and the momentum is only building.
Community-Driven, River-Focused
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Grand Valley River Cleanup isn’t just a feel-good event — it’s a decades-old environmental movement with grit.
Held on April 19, the cleanup brought together local volunteers, outdoor advocates, and sustainability-minded businesses to tackle debris along the Colorado River. Organized by Gear Junction, with backing from other Grand Valley groups, the event targeted a critical 30-mile segment winding through the heart of the city.
“The amount of waste we pull out of here is wild,” said Nicholas Solawetz, a regular volunteer. “But I think it’s making a big dent in a big problem.”
Five Crews, One Mission
Participants were split into five teams, each assigned a specific stretch of the river to scour. From bottles and tires to metal scraps and discarded furniture, the teams combed the banks and waterline.
“We put in a lot of work today,” said Ethan Ball, Marketing and Communications Director at Gear Junction. “Seeing so many people come together to clean up the river feels really incredible. It was a big success.”
According to Ball, the number of volunteers nearly doubled compared to last year — a sign that the cleanup is becoming a community priority.
Why It Matters: Nature, Wildlife, and Future Generations
Grand Junction’s outdoor spaces aren’t just scenic backdrops. They’re essential to the city’s identity — and economy. Cleaning the river benefits not just humans, but also the ecosystems living in and around it.
“We want to keep the environment clean for all the little critters that have inhabited this area,” Ball said. “Not just for today, but for the future.”
Ball emphasized the long-term goal: sustainability.
“We want to make it sustainable, not just so that we can go out there and recreate on it, but so that our children and their children can use these lands as well.”
His message was clear: If no one steps up now, there might not be anything left to pass on.
Cleanup by the Numbers
| Cleanup Stat | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Cleaned | 30 | 30 |
| Volunteers Participating | ~120 | ~230 |
| Tons of Trash Removed | 4.1 | 6.7 (est.) |
| Years Since Inception | 19 | 20+ |
*Estimated based on preliminary collection tallies.
Mark the Calendar: They’re Doing It Again
If you missed this round, don’t worry. The Gear Junction is already organizing a follow-up event set for September 13.
Locals say the spring cleanup is just the warmup — the fall edition often collects even more debris after summer recreation season.
“This is about stewardship,” Ball added. “And Grand Junction is showing up in a big way.”
