Salt River seeking volunteers for clean up
Jan 15, 2014, 11:59 AM | Updated: 11:59 am
PHOENIX — The Tonto National Forest needs help for a massive clean-up effort this weekend.
About 300 volunteers are needed to beautify the Salt River.
Each year, during the month of January, the water is low enough for volunteers to step in and help clean it up.
“We are trying to get folks out to help us cleanup debris and trash buildup that has accrued over the last year,” said Patricia Bean, Partnership Liason on the Mesa district for the Tonto National Forest. “It’s a normal occurrence and so, once a year, we try to go out and clean up.”
In order to prepare the Salt River for a busy season of tourism, the Annual Lower Salt River Clean-Up will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon.
“We ask folks to wear closed-toed shoes and rubber soles,” said Bean.
Volunteers will be stepping on rocky terrain and even in the water. To deal with the heat and sun exposure, Bean reminded volunteers to wear hats and sunscreen.
Sign-in will take place at the Blue Point Recreation site, 20 miles northeast of Mesa. For more details on how to volunteer, click here.