| Event Basics: Join Willamette Riverkeeper and the Western Michigan University Alumni Association for an on-water river cleanup in Salem. We will paddle from Wallace Marine Park to Keizer Rapids Park, collecting trash from both the waterway and the adjacent riverbanks along the way. This is a portion of the Willamette River with significant trash pollution issues, and the support of volunteers is critical to protecting the health of our river. Seats are available in both rafts and inflatable kayaks, and volunteers are also welcome to bring their own boats!
When & Where: Saturday, April 18th, 2026 | 10AM - 2:30PM Please arrive at the boat ramp parking lot at Keizer Rapids Park by 10am, located at 1900 Chemawa Road N, Keizer, OR 97303. We will leave personal vehicles at this lot, then organize a shuttle to the put-in location (Wallace Marine Park) using Willamette Riverkeeper vans. If you are running late, please call event coordinator Luke Stuntz (617-834-8727).
What to bring:
- Sturdy, closed toe shoes that you are comfortable getting dirty and wet.
- Extra layers to keep you warm on the boat (including a rain coat if rain is forecasted), and a backup change of clothes in your vehicle in case you get wet!
- Drinking water and a snack to keep you going.
Additional Details:
- Willamette Riverkeeper will provide all necessary cleanup equipment (trash bags, gloves, grabbers, etc.) and Personal Floatation Devices (life jackets) for this event. PFDs are required and must be worn at all times.
- No paddling or cleanup experience is necessary for this event. Rafts will be operated by experienced Willamette Riverkeeper cleanup leaders. We will conduct a thorough safety briefing prior to getting out on the water and distributing cleanup supplies.
- Children (ages 10+) are welcome to participate in this event, given that they are accompanied by a parent/guardian who is authorized to sign their participation waiver.
- Public restrooms are available at both Wallace Marine Park and Keizer Rapids Park.
- Water temperatures on the Willamette River in April are cold (50–55°F). If you are bringing your own kayak/paddleboard or would like to use one of our kayaks, we strongly recommend wearing a wetsuit or drysuit for safety. Willamette Riverkeeper has a limited number of wetsuits/drysuits available for use; please inquire via email if you are interested in borrowing one.
Questions? Reach out to event coordinator Luke Stuntz at lukestuntz@willametteriverkeeper.org or 617-834-8727.
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Willamette Riverkeeper thanks our partners at City of Salem for their support of this event! |
