Durangoans have a chance to give something back to the Animas River this Saturday. In conjunction with the second annual Statewide River Cleanup, the Five Rivers Chapter of TU, the City of Durango and community volunteers will be removing trash from banks of the Animas River.

Trout Unlimited is hoping to attract dozens of volunteers to the Animas this weekend for a large-scale, coordinated effort. Colorado Trout Unlimited schedules the Statewide River Clean-up for the fall because river flow is generally lower, making access to the rivers and clean-up efforts easier. “People should be saying, ‘The Animas is our river, and we’re going to grab the kids and go down and help,’” said Ty Churchwell, vice-president of the local TU chapter. “We’d love to see a bigger turnout this year, and the river sure could use the help.

The Animas River Clean-up will take place this Sat., Sept. 15, from 8 a.m. until noon, and volunteers should meet at Santa Rita Park. Snacks, refreshments, trash bags and rubber gloves will be provided. For more information, contact 903-3010.

– Will Sands