Join the Cleanup Brigade: Revitalize the Santa Cruz River in Tucson This Saturday!

This Saturday morning, Tucson residents are invited to participate in a community effort to clean up the Santa Cruz River as part of Tucson Clean & Beautiful’s “Day of Connection” event. The initiative, cohosted by Las Milpitas Community Farm, promises a vibrant atmosphere complete with free food and a flea market.

Attendees can expect a variety of activities, including live animal encounters organized by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a bee box building workshop, and educational programs focused on environmental stewardship. This gathering comes at a crucial time, as the nonprofit American Rivers recently designated the Santa Cruz as the fourth-most endangered river in the country, largely due to pollution issues.

A comprehensive analysis by the Sonoran Institute revealed that food packaging and cups make up nearly half of the debris in the river. Additionally, single-use clothing and plastic bags account for about 10 percent of the total trash.

To enhance the experience, Tucson Clean & Beautiful advises participants to wear closed-toe shoes or boots. Attendees should also bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste. Necessary cleaning supplies, gloves, and filtered water will be supplied on-site.

This family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages, although children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The group will gather at Las Milpitas Community Farm, located at 2405 S. Cottonwood Ln., before proceeding to the restoration site at Paseo de Iglesias along the river. Additional parking and restroom facilities are conveniently available at 1161 W. Silverlake Rd.

Several organizations are contributing to the event’s success, including the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Tucson Bird Alliance, Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area, and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, among others.

Admission is free, and those interested can register online to participate in this important community engagement.