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Now booking for summer 2023!

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Overview     Event Types     Scheduling     Love the River Days     Additional Info​​​​

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​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 accomodate 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 caropool 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 - Open for 2023!

Scheduling is OPEN 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)

"Love the River Day" Events for Individuals & Smaller Groups

​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
  

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

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

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.​

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