The Stanislaus River near the Cost Less shopping center in Oakdale will be one of two local sites for a cleanup of the river this weekend.

The East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District will host the ninth annual Stanislaus River Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 16 as part of the statewide Great Sierra River Clean Up. Crews of volunteer workers will converge on the river to haul away cigarette butts, broken bottles, tires, and more.

“We are seeking volunteers of all ages to come out to help and enjoy a fun and worthwhile day on the river,” said Alexandria Miranda of the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District.

She added that each year, community members join in on the important task of taking care of the local watershed by cleaning up and hauling away trash and debris.

Volunteers can either pre-register or come a little early to complete the forms on the day of event. Sites include both Jacob Myers Park in Riverbank and at Highway 120/Cost Less Market in Oakdale.

To pre-register for the event, contact Miranda at (209) 287-3661; email alexandria@eaststanrcd.org; or visit eaststandrcd.org.

The event is part of the Great Sierra River Cleanup taking place on rivers throughout the Sierra region, which in turn is part of the California-wide Coastal Cleanup Day, Miranda said.

The Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer effort in the state. The local effort is being hosted in cooperation with East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District, California Coastal Commission and Sierra Nevada Conservancy.