Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Volunteers Tackle Another Successful Gallatin Watershed Cleanup

by Abigail Sloot, Big Sky Watershed Corps Member

Volunteers gather in front of a dumpster full of trash removed at the 2025 Spring Gallatin Watershed Cleanup.

The Gallatin Watershed Council’s annual Spring Gallatin Watershed Cleanup was another huge success! On Saturday, May 17, 110 volunteers teamed up at ten sites across the Gallatin Valley to remove 2,150 pounds of trash from the Lower Gallatin Watershed. Volunteers picked up trash of all shapes and sizes, from a waterlogged air mattress to mini candy wrappers and a pro bowling ball that earned the title of “Strangest Thing.”

Trash washes into our streams and rivers across the watershed, harming water quality, degrading wildlife habitat, and introducing dangerous pollutants into the waterways. Thanks to the many helping hands that showed up for the Watershed Cleanup, our recreational and drinking water sources are free from trash like beer cans, fast food wrappers, and discarded clothing.

After the cleanup, volunteers gathered at Lindley Park for a celebration of their hard work. They were greeted with rain and hail, but the weather couldn’t dampen the good vibes! New friendships were forged over food provided by the Madison Gallatin Chapter of Trout Unlimited, drinks from Bozeman Brewing Company, and ice cream from Genuine Ice Cream. Abbi Sloot, GWC’s Big Sky Watershed Corps Member, shared a few words about the impact that this event continues to have on the Lower Gallatin Watershed, thanking community members for their efforts that do make a difference.

The celebration closed with raffle prizes from event sponsors Bozeman Hot Springs, TroutRoutes, and Voormi, and a group picture in front of the dumpster. The dumpster was full of trash, volunteers were full of food, and GWC staff had full hearts. It is always encouraging to see so many individuals come together for the collective good. Now it’s time to start planning the Fall Gallatin Watershed Cleanup, which is set for Saturday, September 6!

This event could not have happened without the many volunteers who have committed to keeping the watershed healthy and clean. Thank you to everyone who contributed to its success! Another huge shout-out to all of our event sponsors: Bozeman Brewing Company, Bozeman Hot Springs, Genuine Ice Cream, Happy Trash Can Compost, Republic Services, Trout Unlimited (Madison-Gallatin Chapter), TroutRoutes, and Voormi.