05-13-2011, 11:10 AM
SALIDA, CO. - The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) announces the 20th Anniversary Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup on Saturday, May 21. The first Arkansas River Cleanup was held May 9, 1992 and Colorado Gov. Roy Romer issued a proclamation declaring the day as "Arkansas River Clean-Up Day," said AHRA Program Assistant Rose Bayless.
At the annual cleanup, over 350 volunteers pick up litter and debris along the banks of the Arkansas River and on other public land between Leadville and Canon City. Individuals and groups can sign up on May 21, from 9 to 10 a.m., at the Buena Vista Community Center parking lot on East Main Street in Buena Vista, the AHRA Visitor Center at 307 W. Sackett Street in Salida, or the Sugarbush Store in Howard. From there, the race is on to scour the river banks and other public lands for unwanted, unhealthy and unsightly trash.
This year, volunteers will receive trash bags, a special 20th Anniversary gift and a volunteer "Cleanup" button which will serve as their ticket to the volunteer picnic following cleanup activities. The picnic takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Salida and will include food, prizes and fun. Remember to save any unique and interesting trash items you find and bring them to the picnic for the "trash contest."
Bayless said this is a special year for the cleanup event and she hopes that folks from the community will not only come out in force to cleanup and greenup, but will gather at Riverside Park to share in the festivities. Buena Vista singer, songwriter and guitarist Carin Mari will provide afternoon entertainment, and at 4 p.m. FIBArk will have their crazy Cruiser Crit parade down F Street.
AHRA is working with the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U.S. Forest Service to make the 20th Anniversary Cleanup/Greenup another great success. Join us and give a little time and effort that will mean a lot! Call AHRA at (719) 539-7289 or GARNA at (719) 539-5106 for more information or for advance signups.
The AHRA is managed through a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado State Parks. Formed in 1989, this partnership allows agencies to provide visitors with recreation opportunities and care for significant natural resources of the Upper Arkansas River Valley.
Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
Media Contact
Rose Bayless, (719) 539-7289, ahra@state.co.us<br />
Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203 ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us
At the annual cleanup, over 350 volunteers pick up litter and debris along the banks of the Arkansas River and on other public land between Leadville and Canon City. Individuals and groups can sign up on May 21, from 9 to 10 a.m., at the Buena Vista Community Center parking lot on East Main Street in Buena Vista, the AHRA Visitor Center at 307 W. Sackett Street in Salida, or the Sugarbush Store in Howard. From there, the race is on to scour the river banks and other public lands for unwanted, unhealthy and unsightly trash.
This year, volunteers will receive trash bags, a special 20th Anniversary gift and a volunteer "Cleanup" button which will serve as their ticket to the volunteer picnic following cleanup activities. The picnic takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park in Salida and will include food, prizes and fun. Remember to save any unique and interesting trash items you find and bring them to the picnic for the "trash contest."
Bayless said this is a special year for the cleanup event and she hopes that folks from the community will not only come out in force to cleanup and greenup, but will gather at Riverside Park to share in the festivities. Buena Vista singer, songwriter and guitarist Carin Mari will provide afternoon entertainment, and at 4 p.m. FIBArk will have their crazy Cruiser Crit parade down F Street.
AHRA is working with the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U.S. Forest Service to make the 20th Anniversary Cleanup/Greenup another great success. Join us and give a little time and effort that will mean a lot! Call AHRA at (719) 539-7289 or GARNA at (719) 539-5106 for more information or for advance signups.
The AHRA is managed through a cooperative effort between the Bureau of Land Management and Colorado State Parks. Formed in 1989, this partnership allows agencies to provide visitors with recreation opportunities and care for significant natural resources of the Upper Arkansas River Valley.
Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
Media Contact
Rose Bayless, (719) 539-7289, ahra@state.co.us<br />
Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203 ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us