Summer 2023 Group Event Scheduling is CLOSED
We are fully booked for all events for Summer 2023. Email [email protected] to be put on the interest list for Summer 2024!
Overview
Each summer (June through September) we take groups of volunteers onto the Huron River to help clean up trash that accumulates in and along the river. The boat rentals for these trips are covered by a grant so volunteers do not have to pay. Groups can boat from Argo livery to Gallup livery (Argo-to-Gallup River Trip), which takes about 3 hours, or can spend 1 to 2 hours in the area of river surrounding Gallup livery. (Gallup River Clean-up) Volunteers pair up in canoes with trash pickers in hand to retrieve litter. All supplies are provided. It is as fun as it sounds! These clean ups can accommodate groups of 8 to 20 people, but we will also have three events for individual volunteers and small groups. (4 or less) We will have availability for river clean-up events in June, July, August, and September, with extremely limited availability in October, pending weather. All river events and livery operations are dependent on river and weather conditions and are NOT guaranteed.
The City of Ann Arbor Canoe Livery is the largest livery in the state with over 100,000 people annually paddling boats from city liveries.
This section of the Huron River has also become popular with people tubing the river, especially the Argo Cascades. With the increase in
river recreation and being located in a busy urban environment, there is a constant need for on-going cleanup efforts.
Thank you for wanting to volunteer!
Email [email protected] or call 734-794-6445 to book your group's river clean-up event today! Group leaders check out our Coordinator Guide.
Clean-Up Event Types
There are two types of river clean-up events: the longer and more intensive Argo-to-Gallup River Trip and the shorter but still very fun Gallup River Clean-Up. Both take place on the Huron River, and both accommodate groups of 8 to 20 people. During the busy summer months river clean up volunteer events are scheduled Monday through Friday and not available on the weekends. After Labor Day river events are Wednesday through Friday only.
Argo to Gallup River Trip
- Typically takes about 3.5 hours in total
- This can vary considerably due to river conditions, weather, how actively participants paddle, how much trash is present, shuttle wait time
- 4 mile trip down the Huron River through Ann Arbor, from Argo Livery to Gallup Livery
- Ends at Gallup, where a shuttle takes you back to Argo where the event started (shuttles depart every 20 minutes or so)
- Each boat (2 people per) must have at least 1 person with prior paddling experience
- Volunteer groups (8-20 people) only
- Meet and start at Argo Livery (unless your event is after Labor Day- double check your meeting point) in Argo Park
- Parking may be hard to find during the summer, view this parking guide for parking locations and plan to arrive early and to carpool if possible
- The clean up occurs mostly along shorelines as you paddle/float downriver to Gallup Livery

Gallup River Clean-up
- Shorter event, 1 to 2 hours
- Open to volunteer groups (8 to 20 people) + we plan 3 events for individuals/smaller groups (see below)
- Takes place in section of river with low current known as Gallup Pond
- Ideal for first-time paddlers
- Starts and ends at Gallup Livery in Gallup Park

Scheduling - BOOKED for 2023!
Scheduling is CLOSED for summer 2023 river clean events! Spots are limited and events are first-come first-serve. All events are WEEKDAYS ONLY. Email [email protected] to schedule after looking at our coordinator guide.
Group Events: (8-20 people)
June FULL
- River Trip (June 1 - June 9)
- River Trip (June 12 - June 15)
- River Trip (June 21 - June 30)
- Gallup River Clean (June 1- June 10)
- Gallup River Clean (June 11 - June 20)
- Gallup River Clean (June 26 - June 30)
| July FULL
- No Clean-Up Events Week of July 4th
- River Trip (July 10 - July 13)
- River Trip (July 17 - July 21)
- River Trip (July 24 - July 31)
- Gallup River Clean (July 10 - July 14)
- Gallup River Clean (July 24 - July 31)
|
August FULL
- River Trip (Aug 1 - Aug 4)
- River Trip (Aug 7 - Aug 11)
- River Trip (Aug 14 - Aug 18)
- River Trip (Aug 21 - Aug 25)
- River Trip (Aug 28 - Sept 1)
- Gallup River Clean (Aug 1 - Aug 4)
- Gallup River Clean (Aug 7 - Aug 11)
- Gallup River Clean (Aug 14 - Aug 18)
- Gallup River Clean (Aug 28 - Sept 1)
| September FULL
- River Trip (Sept 4 - Sept 14)
- River Trip (Sept 15 - Sept 30)
- Gallup River Clean (Sept 6- Sept 8)
- Gallup River Clean (Sept 13 - Sept 15)
- Gallup River Clean (Sept 20 - Sept 22)
- Gallup River Clean (Sept 27 - Sept 29)
|
"Love the River Day" Events for Individuals & Smaller Groups - Join Us!
Our Love the River Day events are river cleaning events at Gallup Park in the area of river around the Gallup Livery. These events are open to individual volunteers and small groups. You may end up in a boat with someone you meet at the event. These events may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to weather. No prior paddling experience is required.
Love The River Day: Thursday, June 22nd — 4p.m. - 5:30p.m.
- This event is open to individuals and small groups (4 participants or less)
- 20 volunteers max
Love The River Day: Monday, July 17th — 12p.m. - 1:30p.m.
- This event is open to individuals and small groups (4 participants or less)
- 20 volunteers max
Love The River Day: Wednesday, August 23nd — 1p.m. - 2:30p.m.
- This event is open to individuals and small groups (4 participants or less)
- 20 volunteers max
Email voluntee[email protected] to sign up for one of these events or to learn more!
Important Information
Safety
Volunteers who participate in River Trip events must be able to paddle a boat, and each 2-person boat must have at least one person who has prior experience on the water. There is an inherent risk to being on the water, boats may tip over and injuries may happen. Volunteer groups that have little-to-no paddling experience but still want to participate should pick a Gallup River Clean-up instead of an Argo-to-Gallup River Trip. Life jackets must be worn. Volunteers should bring water, wear sunscreen, and be prepared to get wet. Water shoes and dry bags (sold at the liveries) are recommended. Volunteers are not required to collect any trash that cannot be safely reached.
Weather and Water Conditions
- Forecasts of thunderstorms, heavy rain or other severe weather warnings will result in cancellation/rescheduling
- High river flow can make a river clean up unsafe, river trips will not take place if the flow is too low or too high
- Alternate options may be available in this circumstance (ie, kayaks only for low water conditions or Gallup area clean up only). GIVE 365 will monitor conditions.
What to Bring
We will provide the boats, life jackets, and the tools for collecting trash. Volunteers should bring water, wear sunscreen, wear weather-appropriate clothing that is okay to get wet. Water shoes are highly recommended, as are dry bags if volunteers plan on bringing a phone along. Both are sold at the liveries. Volunteers will need to bring a signed city volunteer waiver and a livery waiver.
Boat & Paddling information
Canoes are recommended as two volunteers can sit comfortably and collect the most litter, especially larger items. Depending on weight limits, a third volunteer may be able to sit in the middle of the boat if needed. Kayaks are available if the river is too low or depending on your group's preference and there are experienced paddlers volunteering.
- For Argo-to-Gallup river trips, canoes do not go through the Argo cascades. Volunteers enter the canoes at the base of the cascades
- A max of 10 canoes are allotted for each river event, additional boats will have to be paid for
Check out this video from the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor as they join us on a river clean, demonstrating waste that is commonly found in the river.

2022 Season Totals:
17 river clean-up events
189 volunteers
382 volunteer hours
Over 1500 pounds of litter removed