OCTOBER 5th:  FOLAR’s 34th Annual Great LA River CleanUp Returns
 
Four Sites, One Day - FoLAR Invites Everyone to Join Across the 51-Mile Span
 

WHAT:  Friends of the LA River (FoLAR) invites everyone to join the largest urban river cleanup in the U.S. Being held for the first time in recent years at the conclusion of the River's summer recreation season, the event celebrates the region’s 51-mile winding connective center with cleanup locations on the Upper, Middle and Lower River. Registration is now open for all ages at each site.
 
Shifts start at 8:00am and 10:30am. The CleanUp 2024 will take place at the following handpicked sites along the River that connects members of LA’s many diverse communities:
 
Bull Creek (Upper River) - The Sepulveda Basin, home to a beautiful wildlife reserve and a recreation area, is the River’s first natural bottom section. It is a birdwatcher’s delight.
North Atwater Park (Middle River) - The park offers scenic views of the River and is a haven for local wildlife, with native plants, open meadows, and shaded picnic areas.
Compton Creek (Lower River)  - A major tributary of the LA River, in fact the last major tributary before the River ends her 51-mile journey at the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach. Today, most of the 8.5-mile creek is channelized, except the lower 3 miles of earthen bottom, where you’re likely to see a variety of birds.
Willow St. Bridge (Lower River) - Just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, freshwater mixes with saltwater here, supporting a unique ecological habitat and a wide variety of shorebirds.
 
In line with FoLAR’s mission to build capacity for communities, students, and future leaders to advocate for nature, climate, and equity on the LA River, the annual event will offer additional educational activities with local environmental groups including the Water Replenishment District (at Willow St. Bridge), the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society (at Bull Creek), and Children’s Hospital LA, LA City Council District 4, Takataka Club, and three river-adjacent neighborhood councils (at North Atwater Park).
 
WHO (all Media-Ready):
At BULL CREEK:  FoLAR Chief Development Officer Jason Schlatter
At N. ATWATER PARK:  City of LA Councilmember Nithya Raman (District 4), FoLAR COO Erin Viera Orr
At WILLOW ST. BRIDGE:  FoLAR Executive Director Candice Dickens-Russell
 
WHY:  FoLAR’s annual CleanUp is a popular annual event for Angelenos of all ages and backgrounds, attracting families, students, community members, and elected officials to the River. From the group of 10 people who brought the first CleanUp to life in 1989, today it draws thousands of volunteers and a vast range of volunteer groups including scout troops, entertainment companies, Indigenous groups, religious organizations, labor unions, and a bevy of nonprofits—reflecting the growing interest in and passion for the LA River among Angelenos of all backgrounds. It is also, for many, a place to learn about and take a hands-on approach to addressing climate change.
 
The 2024 CleanUp is made possible through major supporters M2O, Niagara Cares, Bank of America, City of Long Beach, REI Co-op, Stantec, Southern California Gas Co., Water Replenishment District, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, LA City Council District 4, LA Sanitation, Lamar Advertising Company, Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council, Port of Long Beach, Direct Pack, Inc., California Trout, Paramount Pictures, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, Burns & McDonnell, Eagle Rock Yacht Club, Long Beach Container Terminal, and Glassell Park Neighborhood Council.
 
WHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2024
 
TIME: 8:00am and 10:30am shifts

 
WHERE: 
Bull Creek (Upper River) - 6300 Balboa Boulevard Van Nuys, CA 91406
North Atwater Park (Middle River) - sold out…please contact for address only for media coverage
Compton Creek (Lower River)  - 20342 Santa Fe Avenue Compton, CA 90221
Willow St. Bridge (Lower River) - 2526 De Forest Avenue Long Beach, CA 90806
 

DIRECTIONS & PARKING:
For all the above, on site parking is available. Except Willow St. Bridge, neighborhood street parking is available.
*NEWS TRUCKS - please contact Julie or Ben if you need assistance.
 
COST: FREE but registration is required.
To register for the CleanUp and get more information, please visit https://folar.org/cleanup-2024/
 
Late breaking or live news crews please call Julie Du Brow at 310-922-1301 (mob) for info / directions. 
 
Alternate contact:  Ben Orbison of FoLAR, (323) 207-5354.

 

 

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Friends of the Los Angeles River (FOLAR):
Friends of the Los Angeles River is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to build capacity for communities, students, and future leaders to advocate for nature, climate, and equity on the Los Angeles River. FoLAR is a leading force in educating youth, guiding policy, and connecting communities to the River. (folar.org)