TWIN FALLS -- Hundreds of volunteers gathered in Rock Creek Canyon on Friday as they gave the trail area a facelift, removing overgrown branches and debris and painted over graffiti.
The project had been on the city's wish list for several years, but getting manpower for large projects such as this one isn't always easy.
The manpower came from local businesses including Clif Bar, which closed its plant to allow a huge turnout, for the event organized by Boise-based nonprofit Idaho Business for the Outdoors.
Many hands made quick work as workers swarmed on the scene.
Idaho Business for the Outdoors makes its case differently than most conservation groups.
"We are really trying to make the business case on why we need these outdoor lands," Executive Director Heather Eastman said as the event got underway.
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Properly cared-for lands aren't only open and inviting, they improve the business climate, she said.
"That's why (business owners) come here. That's why they bring their employees here, because they want to be in Idaho and have access to all these great outdoor spaces."
When she wanted to do a project in the Magic Valley, she contacted partner Clif Bar.
"Their response was great," Eastman said. "They said they have 300 volunteers."
With that many volunteers, she needed to find a large enough project that would keep the workers busy, and Twin Falls City Parks and Recreation had one in mind. Friday's event was among the largest volunteer efforts Idaho Business for the Outdoors has organized.
Sheldon Brimley, a Clif Bar employee, said it was good to get out and do something productive for the community.
He's taken part in other Clif Bar service projects, including planting sagebrush in burned areas.
Rock Creek Canyon Parkway starts near Old Towne Bridge and runs north to Rock Creek Park near County West, and is a "hidden gem" among the Twin Falls parks system, said Chance Munns, Twin Falls City Parks director, in a news release.
The Rock Creek Canyon recovery: How can residents reverse decades of disrepair?
A group of outdoor enthusiasts called Friends of Rock Creek is hoping to transform the creek and canyon into a safe asset for the community.
"With the help of volunteers, we hope to improve recreational access to the water and trail, enhance views, reduce fire fuels and generally clean up the area for all users."
Eric Goodell reports for the Times-News. Reach him at [email protected].
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