Volunteers Make a Big Impact at Sand Creek Park Cleanup
Nine volunteers and one four-legged helper collected more than 10 bags of trash during Staff Council’s annual cleanup event at Sand Creek Park and Preserve.
May 18, 2026
Fresh air, sunshine, community connection — and more than 10 bags of trash removed from a neighborhood park.
That was the result of this year’s Park Cleanup Day hosted by the CU Anschutz Staff Council at Sand Creek Park and Preserve on May 8.
Nine volunteers (plus one very helpful pup) spent the morning walking trails, clearing litter and helping restore one of the green spaces just steps away from campus. From open fields to creekside pathways, volunteers worked together to help ensure the park remains a safe, peaceful and welcoming place for neighbors, visitors and local wildlife to enjoy.
For the past three years, Staff Council has organized this volunteer event as part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement and service. And if you missed it this year, you missed a pretty great morning — complete with beautiful weather, meaningful work, plenty of laughs and the kind of feel-good energy that comes from making an immediate impact alongside colleagues.
Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer Adrienne Howarth-Moore shared her appreciation for the volunteers and reflected on what a great day it was to spend outdoors supporting a park so close to campus.
A special thank-you goes to Justin Grube for leading the Staff Council volunteer team, and to everyone who gave their time to help care for this important community space.
Don’t Miss the Next Volunteer Opportunity
Want to be part of the next Staff Council community event? Join us for Cozy Creations for Little Patients: A Blanket-Making Event for Children’s Hospital — an opportunity to create handmade blankets that will bring warmth and comfort to pediatric patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado. It’s a meaningful way to connect with colleagues, give back, and make a difference for our youngest patients. We anticipate spots will fill quickly, so get a group together and be sure to register early!