UTO Turns Out to Clean Up Papago Trail

22 UTO volunteers took to the trails of Papago Park in April to hike and clean up the park. Their efforts to pick up litter helped keep the Phoenix Point of Pride enjoyable for all visitors...and they all got in a good exercise in the process!

The event got everyone out into the sunshine and created new connections within UTO. Of course, the park was made more enjoyable for visitors, and the group even learned a thing or two from park rangers.

“It was a good break from the desks, and it was a good way to have meaningful impact on our community,” Sandra Johnson said. “A small group can cover a big area.”

That group even helped with the landscaping, not just picking up trash! “For some reason people like to bring in rocks from the park and ‘decorate’ the parking area,” Johnson said. “We placed those rocks back in the park.”

UTO’s Giving Back to the Community team was formed in late 2017. There were two important reasons to do so, Sandra Johnson said. Such a team would “grow and sustain a culture of giving as an organization and drive community impact,” and would also connect groups within UTO into a more cohesive community.

Make sure to follow UTO on Twitter @ASU_UTO.