Volunteers needed for Tittabawassee cleanup during River Days Festival

As the Midland Area River Days Festival approaches, one participating organization is calling on volunteers to help clear debris from the Tittabawassee River and support a healthier local ecosystem.

Rivers are Life, a global network focused on protecting waterways, will sponsor this year’s festival and kick off the event with a river cleanup along the Tittabawassee River on Thursday, July 31. The organization is partnering with local groups for the effort, including the Midland Area Community Foundation, Chippewa Nature Center, Little Forks Conservancy, and the Midland County Historical Society.

Organizers say volunteer help is essential to the success of the cleanup, which launches the three-day festival focused on community, conservation, and culture. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to register in advance to ensure enough supplies are available.

“As a platform that champions clean and thriving rivers worldwide, we’re thrilled to return to River Days and work alongside inspiring local partners who share our mission,” said Katie Horning, Vice President of Marketing at Rivers are Life. “The Tittabawassee River plays a vital role in this community, and events like this show what’s possible when people come together to protect the places we love.”

The cleanup is part of the work of the River Rats, a committee dedicated to preserving local waterways. The effort supports Rivers are Life’s broader mission of completing 1,000 projects around the world that improve river ecosystems, from trash removal to wildlife conservation.

The 2025 Midland Area River Days Festival runs July 31 to Aug. 2 in downtown Midland, offering live music, food trucks, paddling events and educational exhibits along the riverfront.

To sign up for the river cleanup, or to learn more about the festival, visit riverdaysmidland.com. More information about Rivers are Life is available at riversarelife.com.