Pitch in to clean up trash in and along the Rio Grande

In and along the Rio Grande, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department’s Open Space Division is hosting a National River Cleanup on May 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers will meet on the northeast side of the Central Avenue (Rio Grande) Bridge. A very small number of parking spaces are available on the north end of Tingley Beach, so organizers ask that volunteers carpool.

Unseasonably low flows in the river this spring could make it challenging to clean up trash by floating on the river in rafts, kayaks and canoes. If water flows are too low, cleanup will focus primarily on the bosque, and the rafting portion of the event could be canceled.

Guided rafts provided by Kirtland Air Force Outdoor Recreation will not be available this year because of scheduling conflicts. Experienced boaters are still encouraged to clean trash in the river with their own water craft. If you have your own raft, kayak or canoe, and wish to clean trash from the river, you must provide your own transportation and shuttle for your boat.

The Open Space Division will provide volunteers with trash bags and will dispose of the collected trash.

Pre-register with REI online at rei.com/ albuquerque or call 247-1191. Registered volunteers are invited to attend a donated picnic lunch and prize drawing after the event.

For more information, call the Open Space Division at 452-5200 or email jsattler@cabq.gov.