June 29, 2025 Cleanup of Portage Creek in Kalamazoo
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Edison Resident Scholars Contact: Bela Ballez (programs@kalamazooriver.org) Event Description:3.5 hour cleanup of Portage Creek. Cleanup on shore or in the creek with waders. Pre-registration is not required.
Arrival: Please arrive by 8:00am near bridge on Reed Street (near corner of Reed Street and Reed Court). We will be parking on the street.
What to expect: Trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers will be provided. Please bring your own waders if you wish to be in the creek, a limited supply will be available and will be first come first serve. Waivers will be signed on site.
September 20, 2025 Cleanup of the Kalamazoo River Watershed in Kalamazoo
Hosts: Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Edison Resident Scholars, City of Kalamazoo, TrashLoveKzoo Contact: Bela Ballez (programs@kalamazooriver.org) Event Description:Participants will spend 4 hours (12-4pm) cleaning specific areas of the Kalamazoo River Watershed. Pre-registration is required.Register is now closed.
Arrive: All participants arrive at 12:00pm at Mayor’s Riverfront Park. If you are paddling, you will be dropping your vessel off at this location.
Check-in: Upon arrival, participants will receive instruction, PPE, cleaning supplies, snacks, and refreshments.
Boat rentals: Not available.
Event cost: There is no charge for this event.
Different Participation Opportunities:
“On foot” participation: 1. Clean-up while walking IN Portage Creek. This option requires waders. 2.Cleanup on-shore of different areas along Portage Creek and the Kalamazoo River in and around Kalamazoo. This option does not require waders. Locations in and around Kalamazoo will be assigned upon check-in. You will use your own vehicle to travel to the assigned location.
“In vessel” participation on Kalamazoo River:
All paddling participants are asked to wear Coastguard Approved personal flotation devices (“life jackets”), gloves, and waders or other foot protection throughout their river cleanup activity. For those of you with vessels and experience who would like to cleanup while paddling, we will be paddling:
Mayor’s Riverfront Park to Commerce Lane. Participants will drop their boats off at Mayor’s, then drive their vehicle and park at Commerce Lane after check-in. From Commerce Lane, shuttles provided courtesy of the City of Kalamazoo will return drivers to Mayor’s to start the cleanup. KRWC volunteers will be watching the vessels.
October 4, 2025 Kalamazoo River Watershed Stewardship in Battle Creek
Hosts: City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners Contact: Bessie Ploeg (beploeg@battlecreekmi.gov) Event Description:Participants will spend 3 hours (8-11am) starting at Willard Beach picking up litter on shore, planting trees/flowers, and engaged in invasive species removal. Click below for more details.
