The 3rd Annual Oak Creek Collaborative Clean Up will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 2026, at Slide Rock State Park from 8:00AM - 12:30PM.
Hosting this free event is Slide Rock State Park on behalf of about 20 organizations, state and federal agencies, regional communities, and local businesses who care for the creek. Everyone will meet at the park for an orientation and safety briefing before being divided into small groups and heading to the creek and roadside parking areas to remove trash. Each group will have a trained team lead familiar with their assigned area of about 1 mile in length along the creek and highway. Some groups will be shuttled to their assigned area while others will drive their own vehicles or carpool with their team lead. Litter picking equipment, supplies, and safety vests will be provided. We ask participants to wear layers because the morning will be chilly, yet by mid-late morning temperatures will warm up. Please wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy close-toed shoes, and a hat. Bring refillable water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen. Groups will pick up litter from around 9 am to 12 pm in roadside parking areas, behind highway barriers, and near the creek. Afterwhich, they will return to Slide Rock SP, return their gear, listen to some closing remarks, and participate in a free raffle of prizes donated to the event and given to lucky winners as a thank you for keeping Oak Creek clean. Much of the event will take place on uneven, rocky terrain. This event is generally for 12 year and older participants; however, children under 12 are welcome to participate with an adult in select areas near the creek or at Slide Rock State Park away from State Route 89A. You will have a fun time working alongside our land managers, and other stewards of the creek, keeping it clean on what will be a beautiful fall day when the trees will be in full color. You'll be doing so with new acquaintances, family, and old friends. Most importantly, you will walk away feeling good about what you've accomplished on behalf of one of Arizona's most beloved streams.