KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Rotary Club of Kalamazoo says over 250 volunteers cleared more than 4,000 pounds of trash from about 10 miles of the Kalamazoo River in June.
They held their third annual Kalamazoo River Cleanup and Celebration on June 20th from Comstock Township to D Avenue.
Volunteers worked on land along riverbanks, creeks, trails, and parks, while canoe and kayak crews removed debris from the water. The cleanup was followed by a community celebration featuring food, music, and educational activities.
The effort brought together 24 nonprofit organizations, with 28 businesses, foundations, and individuals contributing more than $29,000 in financial and in-kind support.
Rotary Club of Kalamazoo Environmental Committee chair Bill Rose presented Kalamazoo River Watershed Council executive director Bela Ballez and board chair Doug McLaughlin with the Rotary District 6360 Foundation Golden Trowel Award on August 24 in recognition of the organization’s partnership with the club on the event.
Rotary and the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council first worked together on a river cleanup in 2024. Since then, the collaboration has helped the cleanup grow into a broad community effort, with partners ranging from the Kalamazoo Conservation District and Kalamazoo Nature Center to local parks departments, paddling groups, Gun Lake Tribe, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources among other community organizations.
Volunteer feedback following the event reflected a strong sense of community and pride in making a visible difference. Planning is already underway for 2027, with organizers focused on expanding volunteer participation, increasing youth and family involvement, strengthening community partnerships, and creating more opportunities for environmental education and year-round stewardship.
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