Salt Lake City, UT— Sept. 15, 2025 – Join Grow the Flow, Tidey Ocean, and LDS Earth Stewardship this International Coastal Cleanup Day as we work together to clean up the shores of Utah Lake. Volunteers will gather at the Utah Lake State Park Visitors Center on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 9:00 a.m.
International Coastal Cleanup Day, led by the Ocean Conservancy, is a global effort to clean up our shores, protect wildlife, and build community connections. Over the past four decades, volunteers have removed more than 380 million pounds of trash from coastlines and lakeshores worldwide. On its 40th anniversary, Utahns will join in by caring for one of our own shorelines—Utah Lake!
Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state, providing critical habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife—including the threatened June Sucker. But, like many waterbodies, it faces challenges from pollution, drought, and development. Community cleanups like this one give residents the chance to safeguard a place that helps sustain our ecosystem.
“For many of us, Utah has been a wonderful home,” said Katie Dunn, an organizer for Grow the Flow, which works to protect and restore Great Salt Lake. “We need to take care of this home together. The health of our lakes and rivers is an important indicator of how much we value Utah.”
Volunteers should bring work gloves and closed-toe shoes; garbage bags will be provided. All ages are welcome, and no prior experience is required. This family-friendly event is a chance to make a direct impact on the health of Utah’s waters.
“Teaching kids and families to care for the environment instills a care for all living things,” said Cael Crosby, an organizer with Grow the Flow. “Conservation of Utah Lake doesn’t just help the lake itself—it strengthens the entire Great Salt Lake ecosystem.”
