Muskegon River Clean-up Takes a Bye for 2020

Popular annual event removes tons of trash 

The 9th Annual Muskegon River Clean-up, sponsored by Muskegon River Clean-up Company, LLC, has been cancelled, due to COVID 19 outbreak and the Governor’s Executive Orders.  This event was scheduled for August 1, 2020, starting at Bridgeton Township Launch Site and culminating at the Maple Island Launch Site.  At the Maple Island site, registered participants, that had collected trash from the river, are given tickets for lunch and prizes.  Prizes usually consist of approximately 10 kayaks and miscellaneous other items.  This event usually draws between 300 and 500 people. 

Over the past 8 years we have removed 24,583 beverage containers, 60 to 70 tires, a few tons of green treated lumber, over 600 flip flops, and countless phones, sunglasses and lighters from the river.  Some of the stranger items removed were 2 sewing machines, a bowling ball, a large electric motor, a 9.8hp outboard and a metal bed.  Last year alone, we removed 4326 beverage containers, 1 chair, 1 milk can, 114 flip flops, 25 pairs of goggles and glasses, 18 lighters, 1 cell phone, 12 tires, 1 garbage can, miscellaneous animal bones, scrap iron and treated wood, along with general trash.  We recycle what items we can and that money is used to help fund the following year’s event.  The most discouraging thing is that we have cleaned this area for 8 years now and still continue to get a dump truck full of trash each year. 

We would like to thank the Bridgeton Township Board, West Michigan Wildlife Association and Muskegon Watershed Assembly for their support over the years.   For those that would like to make a donation to help us with this event, we have a Muskegon River Cleanup Account at Choice One Bank.
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The Muskegon River Clean-Up has been rescheduled for August 7, 2021 next year.  Won’t you plan to join us for an enjoyable day on the Muskegon River and help us keep it clean?  Even though the event has been cancelled this year, we would challenge everyone who floats the Muskegon River or any river, to pick up any trash they find and dispose of it properly.  

If you have any questions or wish to make a donation, please contact Jerry at 231-578-5465.  

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