National Public Lands Day Riverfront Clean-Up

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National Public Lands Day is traditionally the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages the use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits. This year, National Public Lands Day falls on September 28, 2024.

Meet up and team up at the Gateway Arch to help clean up the St. Louis Riverfront!

Nine billion tons of trash end up in the ocean every year. In fact, the Mighty Mississippi River is one of the largest sources of oceanic plastic debris. But with YOUR help, we can minimize our environmental footprint by collecting riverside trash and keeping the riverfront clean.

Gateway Arch National Park, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Beyond Plastics, Republic Services, Missouri River Cities and Towns Initiative, Missouri Stream Team, Great Rivers Greenway, Bi-State Development, Living Lands & Waters, and the City of St. Louis have partnered to organize a community trash pick-up event on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 28th from 9 a.m. - noon. Recruit your friends and family members and join us in lending a helping hand and cleaning up the riverfront!

All volunteers will receive materials needed to stay safe during the clean-up.

After the clean-up, explore the park and enjoy a day full of service projects and fun events for the whole family to celebrate National Public Lands Day!

Where?

Registration is available here. Online registration guarantees you will receive free parking and arrival instructions for the event. Volunteers will meet at the registration table at the bottom of the Grant Staircase to check-in and get instructions for the day.

Who can participate?

Everyone! We welcome all ages to this event but ask that all participants wear long pants and close-toe shoes, follow all safety instructions, and arrive at the event on time.

Note: The riverfront is made of cobblestone and its uneven surfaces can be difficult to walk on.

Do I need to bring anything?

We will provide trash bags, gloves, water, and snacks. We will have a limited supply of litter picker sticks available on a first come first serve basis. Feel free to bring your own supplies but note that the park and partners will not be responsible for any losses or damage to personal items.

What if I have questions?

Contact the Volunteer Manager, Grace Teofilo, at grace.teofilo@archpark.org.