Pack It Out Utah encourages residents to join watershed cleanup month

Volunteers remove trash from Utah’s rivers and trails during Pack It Out Utah, the statewide cleanup effort held each September. Since 2020, participants have collected more than 35,000 pounds of debris to help protect waterways and wildlife. Photo: Utah State University Water Quality Extension

LOGAN, Utah — Utahns are being asked to help clear trash from trails and waterways as part of the annual Pack It Out Utah cleanup effort this September.

Since 2020, Utah State University’s Water Quality Extension has led the statewide initiative in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, and community groups. Organizers say the monthlong event aims to improve water quality and protect natural habitats across the state.

“We often take for granted how much work goes into keeping our waters clean for people and wildlife,” said Sarah Erwin, USU Extension assistant professor for water quality and watershed education. “We hope every Utahn will make time this month to care for our watersheds by removing trash from trails and waterways.”

Volunteers can find cleanup events hosted by partner organizations on the Pack It Out Utah website. Residents are also encouraged to organize smaller efforts with friends, neighbors, and families, and to report results online.

Since the program began, nearly 35,500 pounds of trash have been removed from Utah’s public lands and waterways, according to USU Extension. “Public involvement strengthens the state’s annual application for water improvement funds, so your efforts help resources flow back to Utah communities,” Erwin said.

Paul Burnett, nonpoint source program coordinator for the Utah Division of Water Quality, emphasized the community’s vital role. “Every piece of trash removed from trails and waterways helps protect the health of Utah’s rivers and lakes,” he said. “This type of citizen stewardship not only improves water quality directly but also demonstrates the strong community commitment to restoring and protecting waters across the state.”

For more information on cleanup events or to report results, visit here.