Guest Blogger: Mark Cohen

- Mark Cohen, Keen Footwear Field Service Representative - Rockies, organized and took part in the South Platte River Clean Up for Earth day.

I wanted to send along a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who helped support this years' South Platte River Clean Up. On a sunny and warm April 20th we had roughly 180 volunteers come out to assist with the effort including paddlers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. In the 6.5 mile stretch of river we worked on this year, which was only half of the distance of last years’ effort, the team managed to remove 4000 pounds of trash and debris from the river corridor. That matches last years’ collection total which reflects the growth of this effort and the willingness of the volunteers to make the effort. We had participants ranging from three to sixty-three years old, and as well, celebrated one young participants 7th birthday while on the river. The BBQ and raffle which took place afterwards fed nearly 200 people in Confluence Park and provided one of our non-profit partners, Leave No Trace, an opportunity to interact with the public & participants alike.

Once again the event attracted local media coverage and provided an example for the thousands on onlookers of how they too can make a difference. We are looking forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come and nurturing the partnerships that have grown out of this effort, as without all of your support the event would not be what it is today.

Thank you again for taking part in Earth Day!