(SOUTHERN COLORADO) —The Fountain Creek Watershed District (FCWD) is hosting the 11th Annual Creek Week Cleanup, Colorado’s largest watershed-wide cleanup. The event runs from Saturday, Sept. 28, to Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024.
The event kicks off with the 7th Annual Litter Letter Project at America the Beautiful Park at 9 a.m. on Sept. 28. A public cleanup will be followed by a trash art installation, where collected trash will be used to fill giant letters, live music, refreshments, and remarks from community leaders.
“Trash and debris are common in our waterways, clogging drainage systems, impacting wildlife,
affecting water quality, and ruining the view of our beautiful natural landscapes,” said FCWD’s Executive Director, Alli Schuch. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join cleanup crews in El Paso and Pueblo counties.
“Citizens can do their part and become Watershed Warriors,” added FCWD’s Outreach Coordinator, Angie Schirtzinger. “It is so important to remove litter near the creek, along trails, in parks, open spaces, and ditches to make waterways cleaner and safer for all.”
Over the past decade, 20,000 Creek Week volunteers have removed more than 150,000 tons of trash from parks, trails, and waterways, improving water quality locally and downstream. Since 2009, FCWD has managed the 927-square-mile Fountain Creek Watershed, from Palmer Lake to Pueblo, benefiting the region with creek restoration, water conservation, and educational programs like the Creek Week Cleanup.
Courtesy: Fountain Creek Watershed District
Courtesy: Fountain Creek Watershed District
Creek Week offers a chance to fulfill community service hours, engage in team-building, or spend family time making a positive impact.
“My family has been volunteering with Creek Week for 10 years, and it’s been inspiring to see my kids grow into young adults who care deeply about beautifying our natural surroundings by removing litter from our waterways,” said Colorado Springs resident, Kristin Wehde.
Volunteers can now register as Crew Members for events like the Litter Letter Project or organize their own cleanup as Crew Leaders, using cleanup materials provided by sponsors. Those interested can sign up at the website linked above.
