FOLAR 29th Annual LA River Cleanup is BACK on April 14, 21, 28

April is Earth Month, and what better way to celebrate than to enjoy one of the most important bodies of water in Los Angeles!

For the 29th year, Friends of the LA River (FoLAR) invites everyone to come to the Annual Great LA River CleanUp: La Gran Limpieza (CleanUp). With the LA River regularly in the news as an important part of the 51-mile community discussion, the annual CleanUp has exploded in recent years, shattering records for volunteer turnout and trash collected, and is the largest urban river cleanup in America. Last year’s CleanUp attracted 10,000 volunteers—individuals and groups—who removed over 100 tons of trash from the LA River at more than a dozen sites. The 2018 CleanUp will be held at nine sites along the entire length of the LA River on the last three Saturdays of Earth Month (April 14th, 21st, and 28th) 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Registration for volunteers is open at: www.folar.org/cleanup-2018.

The Clean Up is a popular event for Angelenos of all ages and backgrounds, attracting families, students, community members, and elected officials to the River with FoLAR every April. This year FoLAR is coordinating efforts with Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) to increase the safety and awareness towards cleaning the River and respecting homeless population in the riverbed.

The range of volunteer groups, along with the 1000s of individuals, demonstrates the ubiquitous interest in and passion for the LA River. Volunteer groups range from scout troops, utilities, and entertainment, to religious organizations, labor unions, and a bevy of nonprofits.

“LA River’s importance to multiple communities along the River – stretching from San Fernando Valley to Long Beach, and including residents, businesses and homeless populations – is becoming center stage for how LA shapes its future,” states FoLAR Executive Director Marissa Christiansen. “The LA River is unique in that it serves as a throughline and connecting point unifying many communities in LA for love of our urban River. It addresses issues from business to the environment to social justice. But the common thread, as our founder Lewis MacAdams understood early on, is everyone’s passion for this unique connection to nature and each other.”

FoLAR is working with Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) to inform our safety talks and work with FoLAR staff, site captains, and volunteers on best practices around people experiencing homelessness in our River channel. LAHSA outreach specialists – who work regularly with individuals experiencing homelessness in the riverbed - will be on site to provide additional hands-on services to those experiencing homelessness, to inform safety and to help Clean Up participants identify the difference between trash and personal belongings, so as not to disturb persons experiencing homelessness.

Nathaniel VerGow, Director of Access & Engagement Department at LAHSA commented, “LAHSA and FoLAR’s joint efforts are to ensure both a safe, enjoyable experience for volunteers and that the homeless population in the riverbed is treated with respect and dignity as a part of an ongoing effort to bring services and attention to those in need in the Los Angeles River.”

To register for the CleanUp and get more information, please visit https://folar.org/cleanup-2018/. Group registration is available, please be sure to list your organization’s name consistent with others in your volunteer party.

The CleanUp takes place at the following nine handpicked sites along the 51-mile river, on the last three Saturdays of April, each day from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm:

April 14 - Upper River:

Sepulveda Basin / Balboa Sports Complex

Glendale Narrows Riverwalk

April 21 - Mid River:

Los Feliz Blvd at Bond Park

Fletcher Drive / Bowtie Parcel

Marsh Park

The Frog Spot

April 28 - Lower River:

Compton Creek at Del Amo Metro Station

Golden Shore Marine Reserve

Willow Street Estuary

“When you see so many people on the River working together in their FoLAR shirts it warms your heart,” adds Christansen. “I am so inspired when I think about countless members of the River community pouring their love into our River over the last 29 years.”

In addition to the trash pick-up, each of our nine CleanUp sites features eclectic musical talent that join FoLAR in the CleanUp to connect with the LA River community. Select sites will also feature the LA River Rover - FoLAR’s 38’ mobile visitor and education center.

Volunteers will receive a FoLAR reusable tote bag, a custom-designed FoLAR t-shirt, a KIND snack bar, and a gift card from Rubio’s Coastal Grill. Refreshments, snacks, and sunblock will all be on hand to keep volunteers healthy and hydrated.

The 2018 CleanUp is made possible through major support from AECOM, the City of Long Beach, and many other entities that give back to Southern California communities. Information on sponsorship opportunities are available online at folar.org.