NEWS RELEASE
April 10, 2026
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Arizona Public Service (APS) and other organizations are partnering this year to celebrate Earth Month by conducting cleanup events at several Arizona waters on APS’s 140th Anniversary – Wednesday, April 29.
Volunteers will be picking up trash, discarded fishing line, and other items that, if left untouched, can be harmful to wildlife and spoil these beautiful natural areas. Their efforts help encourage the public to “Keep wildlife wild, pick up your trash.”
The events are free to participate in, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Event locations and details are listed below:
PHOENIX AREA
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area – APS, AZGFD, City of Phoenix, Liberty Wildlife and the Nina Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center are partnering on this cleanup. The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is restoring the native wetland and riparian habitats of the historic Salt River, which once flowed year-round through Phoenix. With a variety of paved and natural trails, this is a popular location for hikers and birders hoping to spot one of the hundreds of species of birds that use the area as a seasonal migratory path. The event will begin at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area NE Central Trailhead parking lot and takes place from 7-9:30 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1239845
Lake Pleasant – The Avian and Wildlife Protection Program at APS will be holding a fishing line cleanup. Please join us as we make the shoreline a safer place for all wildlife. Lake Pleasant is one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the Valley of the Sun and provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping and wildlife viewing. The event will begin at Lake Pleasant Regional Park and takes place from 7-9:30 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/117156353206/false#/invitation
MOGOLLON RIM AREA
Rim Lakes: Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Bear Canyon Lake – AZGFD, APS, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are partnering on this three-lake clean up. These popular high-elevation lakes about 35 miles east of Payson provide opportunities to get out of the desert heat and experience all kinds of outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The event will begin at the Rim Top Trailhead and takes place from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1239780
FLAGSTAFF AREA
Ashurst Lake – AZGFD, APS, and the Coconino National Forest are partnering on this cleanup. This scenic lake southwest of Flagstaff is a popular area for fishing, camping and picnicking. The event will begin at the Ashurst Lake Parking Lot and takes place from 8:30-11 a.m.
For registration and important details, please visit: https://volunteer.azgfd.gov/need/detail/?need_id=1239790
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Questions? Contact [email protected] or 602-526-2004.
Read more about AZGFD’s Monofilament Recovery Program here.
Read more about AZGFD’s Volunteer Program here.