Volunteers have hauled more than two tons of trash out of the Huron River in 2026, a record for Ann Arbor's cleanup program.

Scott Spooner, deputy manager of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation, told WEMU that crews have completed more than 30 cleanup events so far in 2026. The haul marks the highest total the Huron River Cleanup Program has recorded.

Spooner said throwing trash in the river doesn't make it disappear. It just moves the problem downstream.

"Instead of it being a problem for maybe Ann Arbor, it's a problem for Ypsilanti or farther down," Spooner said.

The river has seen an uptick in litter over the past several years, according to WEMU's reporting. The cleanup program, run by Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation, sends volunteers out in kayaks and canoes equipped with trash pickers to pull waste from the water and the riverbanks each summer from June through September.

The program offers two options. The Argo-to-Gallup River Trip covers a longer stretch and takes about three hours. The Gallup River Cleanup focuses on the area around Gallup Livery and runs one and a half to two hours. Groups of eight to 20 people can book a cleanup event on weekdays during the summer months.

Individual volunteers and small groups of four or fewer can join "Love the River Day" workdays at Gallup Park. Limited October availability depends on weather.

More than 100,000 people paddle boats from Ann Arbor's city liveries each year, according to the city's website. The city describes its livery operation as the largest in the state. That heavy use makes the volunteer cleanups a recurring need.

Residents interested in the program can email [email protected] — group slots for 2026 are nearly full, but individual volunteers can ask about openings for 'Love the River Day' events.