Marren River Cleanup Draws Hundreds of Volunteers to the Old Mill Banks
Hundreds of residents turned out over the weekend for the annual Marren River cleanup, working in crews along the banks near the Old Mill District to clear debris, remove invasive brush, and reopen a section of the riverside walking trail.
Part of the trail had been closed since spring, when high water washed silt and fallen limbs across the path. Volunteers cleared the blockage, repaired a damaged handrail, and repainted trail markers that had faded over the season.
By the numbers
- Crews were assigned to sections spanning the length of the Old Mill riverfront
- Volunteers filled dozens of bags with litter and yard waste
- A local scout troop rebuilt two benches along the reopened stretch
Organizers said the turnout was among the largest in recent years, helped by clear weather and a push from neighborhood groups. Younger volunteers made up a noticeable share of the crowd, several accompanied by classes from valley schools.
The reopened trail section connects two of the district’s most-used access points, restoring a continuous riverside route that residents rely on for walking and cycling.
Related: Community Life · riverside storefronts reopening
Further reading: River restoration
