Sometimes the most rewarding achievements come with dirty hands and full trash bags. Our team recently partnered with Sand Creek Regional Greenway for a cleanup day that ended up breaking all-time records!
A Trail Worth Protecting
For those unfamiliar with this natural gem, the Sand Creek Regional Greenway is a beautiful 13-mile stretch of trail system connecting Aurora to Denver. It serves as both a transportation corridor and a natural retreat for countless Coloradans seeking fresh air and open spaces.
The greenway follows Sand Creek through urban landscapes, offering a glimpse of nature right in the heart of our busy metropolitan area. Wildlife, native plants, and peaceful waterways make it special—but like many urban natural spaces, it faces ongoing challenges from litter and illegal dumping.
Breaking Records (and a Sweat!)
Before our day began we were told the record for trash collection was 535 pounds. We were determined to beat that record.
With roughly thirty Kind Home volunteers armed with gloves, trash bags and trash pickers we ventured into the Dahlia Trail system. By the end of the day we had collected an astonishing 638 pounds of trash in a single session—setting a new all-time record for the organization!
The fruits of our labor—638 pounds worth!
More Than Just Trash Collection
While the impressive weight of collected trash gives us bragging rights, the day offered so much more:
- Team bonding while doing something meaningful together
- Fresh air and exercise (those trash bags got heavy!)
- Deeper appreciation for our local natural spaces
- Conversations with grateful trail users who stopped to thank us
- Immediate visible impact on a place we all share
We also learned about the ongoing conservation efforts from the passionate staff at Sand Creek Regional Greenway. Their dedication to preserving this urban oasis is truly inspiring.
Get Involved
Inspired to help? The Sand Creek Regional Greenway offers multiple ways to get involved. Visit their website here to learn more.
Our Commitment Continues
While we’re still basking in the satisfaction of our record-breaking day, we’re already looking forward to our next service project. Giving back to our community never gets old—even when it involves getting a little dirty!