Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by The HD Post Staff
Photo credit: MRWGVICTORVILLE – The Mojave River Watershed Group (MRWG) is co-sponsoring three community clean-up events April 18 and April 25, in Victorville, Hesperia and Apple Valley.
The clean-ups are part of Earth Day, observed Wednesday, April 22, 2026. MRWG says it promotes year-round efforts to reduce litter and protect the Mojave River Watershed.
The Mojave River spans about 118 miles, flowing through the Mojave Desert and eastern San Bernardino Mountains. Much of its water runs underground within a 4,500-square-mile watershed that collects and stores groundwater.
“As an important water source for residents and habitat for native plants and animals, it’s important to do our part in keeping our community as clean as we can,” MRWG facilitator Jonathan Dillon said.
MRWG says stormwater runoff carries pollutants like litter, pet waste, pesticides and oil. It can then flow into storm drains or the ground, contaminating the watershed and local groundwater.
For High Desert residents, pollution can affect local water quality. The region relies on pumped and treated groundwater from the Mojave River for everyday use. For wildlife, it can damage habitats, disrupt ecosystems and threaten animal health.
“That’s why we are a huge supporter of the clean-up events that these communities put on regularly. It provides us with a way to contribute and give back,” Dillon said.
Pollution remains an ongoing challenge
While these citywide community clean-ups happen twice a year around Earth Day and in the fall, pollution is an ongoing challenge that requires consistent, collective action.
Additional local efforts, such as Apple Valley’s #TrashTalkTuesday campaign, Victorville’s DumpItRightVV program and Hesperia’s Neighborhood Beautification Day, help address the issue more regularly, but litter and pollution can accumulate quickly due to everyday activities.
MRWG says long-term progress depends on community awareness, with events focused on cleanup, education and prevention.
Earth Day cleanups around town
The Town of Apple Valley is accepting bulky items and giving away free compost on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lions Park, located at 20789 CA-18.
The City of Victorville will host its clean-up the same day. Registration is now closed.
The City of Hesperia is hosting a community clean-up on Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. To register, click here. Volunteer registration closes April 17 at 5 p.m.
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