KARING FOR THE KZOO 2026  |  SATURDAY MARCH 28: 10AM - 3PM

MAYOR’S RIVERFRONT & VERBURG PARKS, KALAMAZOO RIVER VALLEY TRAIL CLEANUP
Another Must-Attend, Record-Setting, High-Impact, Community-Wide, Stewardship Event. 
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KARING FOR THE KZOO26  
March 28, 2026: 10AM - 3PM
Event HQ: Mayors Riverfront Park

We believe our work goes beyond just creating cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable waterways, rivers parks and adjacent river trails; we celebrate community spirit and civic pride. The greater Kalamazoo area has so much to boast about and celebrate!

​In the spring of 2024, we led the largest volunteer-led stewardship project in Kalamazoo’s history. On a chilly April morning, hundreds of volunteers came together to clear thousands of pounds of litter and trash from the Kalamazoo River, stretching from Comstock to Parchment.
Those stewardship activities are planned and listed in order of difficulty, from easiest to most challenging. Whichever you choose, everything needed will be provided, but we encourage everyone to bring their own gloves for an improved fit and comfort. All we ask is that you show up, be prepared to help make Kalamazoo's parks and trails healthier, more scenic, and enjoyable to use, and have fun!
1.  Litter and trash patrol across three distinct segments:
  • From Mayors’ Riverfront to Verburg Park (1.25 miles)
  • From Comstock to Mayors’ Riverfront Park to Comstock (3.0 miles)
  • From Verburg Park to Parchment (1.0 miles)​

2.  Returning to Mayors’ Riverfront Park and Verburg Park to conduct additional invasive trees and bushes treatment:
  • It is reported that Verburg Park is in remarkable shape and only litter and trash patrol may be needed here.
  • Because of the great work done here last year, invasive species treatment along Mayor’s Riverfront Park should be moderately easy and quick.

3.  Conducting invasive species treatment along the Red Arrow Golf Course between Mills Street and E. Michigan Ave: 
  • This stretch along Kalamazoo Valley River Trail is thick with woody debris, invasive species, and features some steep embankments. It will be the area of greatest need and difficultly.
  • This work will be the most challenging. Only those skilled with equipment use and are athletic (agile) should volunteer for this assignment.
Because of this early spring date, during a time of traditional high water and swift river speeds, for reasons of personal safety, we are not currently planning to include an on-river component. This will be done at a later date during late spring or summer, with a through year-end sweep in the fall. 

We Are Excited To Boast About Our Early Event Partners

  1. Michigan Waterways Stewards  Event lead
  2. Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation  Municipal partner and invasive project lead
  3. WMU Greek Community  Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and Alpha Sigma Phi volunteers 
  4. BCK CISMA  Technical partner lead
  5. Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones  Technical team leaders
  6. Kalamazoo Growlers  Hospitality partner
If you too wish to be part of this wonderful stewardship event, the transformation of Kalamazoo’s riverside parks and stewardship of the Kalamazoo River we would love to hear from you. Opportunities range from being a volunteer, volunteer coordinator, technical lead, hospitality or event partner.
​On this day, Saturday, March 28 it may be cold, possibly a little wet, but it will certainly be tons of fun as Kalamazoo Growlers are again our hospitality partner.

​On the day of the event, the Growlers will be providing all volunteers with a FREE delicious, hearty lunch served at the Kalamazoo Growers stadium, at their front entrance and overlooking their ball field.

​Also, in appreciation of the wonderful efforts of all our volunteer, the Growlers will be giving each a FREE pass to a home game! 

Details about the distribution the date and time, and FREE pass distribution will be shared soon.

​More exciting event news to be announced soon!

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
The Kalamazoo Growlers Thank You!

In appreciation of your volunteering  and making our beautiful city's parks and river trial cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable to use, the Kalamazoo Growlers will be giving each volunteer a complimentary pass to a home game.  

​Details of the event to be shared soon.
JOIN US  •  CREATE LASTING IMPACT  •  THIS IS OUR LEGACY 
SCROLL TO BOTTOM OF PAGE TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER OR SUPPORT IN ANOTHER WAY.

KARING FOR THE KAZOO 2026  |  SATURDAY MARCH 28: 10AM - 3PM

MAYOR’S RIVERFRONT & VERBUG PARKS, KALAMAZOO RIVER VALLEY TRAIL CLEANUP
If you would like to be part of this exciting community-wide event , there are a number of way you can help:
  1. Volunteer (Litter Patrol). Help pick up litter and trash that has collected over the winter season. While our primary focus is the stretch from Mayors' Riverfront Park to Verburg, we're hoping to cover the entire distance of the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail from Comstock to Parchment!
  2. Volunteer (Clearing Invasive Species).  Cut and clear invasive trees, bushes, and other unwanted flora. Create sight-lines and scenic overlooks to create a greater Mayors' Riverfront and Verburg Parks user experience.
  3. Be A Team Leader (Invasive Species). iI you're skilled in identifying and treating invasive species and enjoy coaching others.
  4. Donator or Become an Event Sponsor. Give financial or in-kind and we'll generously promote your or your organization. We thank you in advance. 

    Join Us. Sign Up to Create Lasting Impact!

    Volunteer alone, with family and friends, or make it a team building event for work.
    If you wish to support in another way, please let us know.
    If you wish to connect over the phone, give us a call: (952) 239-3943.

Thank You for Caring and Giving.