River Clean Up

Due to recent flooding and forecast for more rain, the UGRA Annual River Clean Up has been postponed to September 7th. We apologize for the late notice, but weather and river conditions are hard to predict. Bacteria levels are currently 20 times higher than the recommended level for recreation. People are encouraged to stay away from the river and creeks for their safety because of the swift moving water, zero visibility, and high bacteria levels.

For those of you who registered by the deadline, that also means we are cancelling supply pickup this week. Several of you have picked up your supplies and t-shirts already. If that is the case and you are able to make it on September 7th, hang on to everything. If you will not be able to make it on the new date, please return your grabbers, gloves, vests, and trash bags to UGRA – but hang onto the shirts if you’d like! If you have not picked up your supplies yet, the new pickup dates will be Tuesday, September 3rd – Thursday, September 5th.

If you are registered and are unable to make it to the new date, please let us know by contacting rivercleanup@ugra.org with your name and group information.

If you have not registered, but would like to participate at this new date, then please come to Flat Rock Park at 8 AM on Saturday, September 7th and we will get you all set up!

The Upper Guadalupe River Authority has scheduled the 21st annual River Clean Up for Saturday, July 27, 2024. The headquarters for the Clean Up will be at Flat Rock Park in Kerrville. Directions to Flat Rock Park are below.

If you registered prior to the deadline and are local, you have the option to pick up your supplies Monday, July 22-Thursday, July 25th. This will allow you to get started first thing on River Clean Up day rather than having to stop by Flat Rock Park first. If you missed the registration deadline, you can still come to Flat Rock Park on Saturday, July 27th and we will get you all set up.

Schedule for the Day

River Clean Up Assignments

The day of the event, all volunteers should return to Flat Rock Park with their trash by 11:00 am and drop it off at the designated area near the boat ramp. Once trash is dropped off, enjoy refreshments, announcements, and the distribution of awards for the most unusual item and the biggest item. Additional garbage drop off locations will be at Guadalupe Park, Louise Hays Park near kayak kiosk, and Lion’s Park near the Center Point Dam. All participants will be entered into a prize drawing and the first 300 registered volunteers will receive an official 21st Annual River Clean Up t-shirt. We will guarantee your requested t-shirt size if you register before June 30, 2024. Additional t-shirts will be given away on a first come basis the morning of the Clean Up.

Even though the River Clean Up is being staged at one location, volunteers will spread out to clean up locations throughout the Guadalupe River watershed in Kerr County including dry creek beds, bridges, and roadways.

What should you bring to the River Clean Up?

Although the River Clean Up is a lot of fun, it is also hard work and you should plan accordingly. Wear a hat and light weight clothing to protect you from the heat and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Wear leather work gloves. UGRA will have a limited quantity of work gloves available for volunteers to borrow, but please bring your own if you can. Wear clothing and shoes that are appropriate for getting wet and dirty. Also, protect yourself from the sun and bugs by applying sunscreen and insect repellent as needed. Bring your own chairs, picnic blankets, or popup tents for relaxing during the event wrap up and prize drawing.

Supplies to aid in the River Clean Up are provided by many generous local sponsors.

The On Your Own (OYO) Clean Up

In 2022 and 2023, we offered the On Your Own (OYO) River Clean Up as a continuation of the format used during the 2020 and 2021 events. This year, we will not be offering the official September – October OYO, however, we will continue to provide cleanup support throughout the year to any groups or individuals who can’t make the July event and wish to conduct a cleanup. We cannot guarantee a 2024 River Clean Up t-shirt if you choose this option, but we will provide them while supplies last. To coordinate a cleanup on your own, contact rivercleanup@ugra.org.

Coming from San Antonio on I-10, take exit 508 (Hwy 16 Kerrville). At the end of the exit ramp, take a left onto Hwy 16 South. After 0.4 miles, turn left onto Loop 534 South and continue for 4.0 miles. Just past the intersection with Hwy 27 (Memorial Blvd.) take a left onto Riverside Drive. Continue on Riverside Drive for 0.3 miles and turn right into Flat Rock Park.

Google Maps Link

We would like to hear your thoughts on the River Clean Up so we can work to make the next event even better.  Please complete this short survey – it should take less than 5 minutes!  Your responses will be anonymous.