Teaming up to clean up

Green River is a little cleaner this summer thanks to Trout Unlimited and Rivers are Life.

Rivers are Life announced their new partnership with Trout Unlimited in June, the purpose of which is to support Trout Unlimited Expeditions, which are "place-based experiences for teens and college students to volunteer and educate themselves on local watershed issues," according to a press release.

In its inaugural year, Trout Unlimited Expeditions hosted two 10-day trips over the summer. The first trip took place from June 16-25, with a cleanup day in Green River on June 22.

"These expeditions are meant to inspire a diverse coalition of staff and volunteers to care, advocate for, and recover lands and waters that have been negatively impacted," the press release explained.

Sixteen people participated in the Green River cleanup, collecting 15 bags of trash, three tires, and a few oddities like metal bars and pipes.

"With each piece of trash picked up, whether it's a full tire or a small wrapper, you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for you are creating an impact," Cecily Nordstrom, the STREAM Education Manager for Trout Unlimited, said after the event.

"The Green River cleanup was a great way for our Expedition highschoolers to share the knowledge they learned on river and watershed health while working with Trout Unlimited's field staff and to lead an event supporting this iconic and important tributary," a press release added. "The cleanup reinforces in both our students and community members that anyone can have a positive impact, whether you're a working professional or a kindergartener."

The second trip took place July 11-20, with a cleanup day in Saratoga on July 18.

Trout Unlimited is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of coldwater rivers and streams for the benefit of healthy water and healthy trout and salmon fisheries. Rivers are Life is serving as the official cleanup sponsor for the new expeditions.

As the official cleanup sponsor, Rivers are Life provided cleanup kits for each expedition to be sure attendees were properly equipped to improve the river ecosystems they inhabited for the week. These unique cleanup kits were designed using 100% recycled materials and made durable to be repurposed and reused for years - leaving no negative impact on the environment. Each cleanup kit consists of an upcycled clean up bags, a 32 inch foldable litter picker and litter picking bag hoop, all which are made with and from recycled fishing gear, ocean plastics, and boat sails.

"Rivers are Life is a collective voice for global river ecosystems that includes a network of like-minded businesses, individuals, educational institutions and organizations that are dedicated to improving and protecting our river systems. This partnership with Trout Unlimited was advantageous as they too are dedicated to bringing people together to care for rivers," said Katie Horning, director of marketing for Rivers are Life.

"Trout Unlimited is thrilled to partner with Rivers are Life to educate and empower the next generation of river conservationists," said Cecily Nordstrom. "Together, we are launching a wave of conversation and action to protect these vital ecosystems."