Around 100 volunteers filled just under 100 trash bags with litter along the Rillito Riverbed between Oracle and Flowing Wells roads on Jan. 4, 2020.
Volunteers came from as far away as Phoenix and included individual community members and organizations ranging from 4-H, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts and local running clubs among others.
The trash collected was later picked up by Pima County.
The community clean up event organized by REI is one of several cleanups aimed to clear trash and debris from the Rillito River and other trails and public spaces.
The next clean up will be held on Feb. 29 at 8 a.m. For location and details, visit rei.com/events
Rillito Cleanup
Sofia Lennon, 17, walks along the Rillito Riverbed near the Oracle Road overpass looking for trash during a volunteer cleanup event organized by REI, on Jan. 4, 2020.
Rillito Cleanup
Volunteers pick up trash along the Rillito Riverbed between Oracle Road and Flowing Wells during a cleanup event organized by REI, on Jan. 4, 2020.
Rillito Cleanup
Volunteers carry a metal frame out of the Rillito Riverbed between Oracle Road and Flowing Wells during a cleanup event organized by REI, on Jan. 4, 2020.
Rillito Cleanup
Sisters Sofia Lennon, 17, and Julia Lennon, 16, pick up litter along the Rillito River during a cleanup event organized by REI, on Jan. 4, 2020.
Rillito Cleanup
Volunteers pick up trash along the Rillito Riverbed between Oracle Road and Flowing Wells during a cleanup event organized by REI, on Jan. 4, 2020.
Rillito Cleanup
Marlys Stapelbroek picks up trash with other volunteers along the Rillito Riverbed near the Oracle Road overpass during a cleanup event organized by REI, on Jan. 4, 2020.
Josh Galemore
Photojournalist
Staff photographer at the Arizona Daily Star. Previously at the Casper Star-Tribune in Wyoming and the Savannah Morning News in Georgia. Honored with numerous awards including those by the NPPA and two time Wyoming photographer of the year.
