Every storm drain in Millcreek empties into the Jordan River with no filter beyond a metal grate.

That was the central lesson of Pedal the Parkway, a guided bike ride the Jordan River Commission organized on Sept. 2 along the Jordan River Parkway, the Millcreek Journal reported. The ride was one of 50 events the commission held during September under a watershed-awareness theme.

Soren Simonsen, executive director of the Jordan River Commission, told the Journal that whatever fits through a street grate ends up in the river, which flows into the Great Salt Lake. Even leaves are a problem. Simonsen said decomposing leaves consume oxygen in the water and can cause fish kills. "We are reminding people to keep things out of the storm drains including leaves," he said.

The nine-mile round trip ran from the Shields Lane Trailhead to Rotary Park, with commission staff and Hogle Zoo representatives riding alongside a small group of cyclists. Some riders towed trailers carrying children. Others brought dogs.

Caroline Johnston of the Jordan River Commission led the ride and spoke to the group about the stormwater system. She said people can do cleanups around their homes to make a difference. "You can make an impact," Johnston said.

Hogle Zoo staff described eight years of restoration work along the river. Tori Bird of the zoo said the riverbank supports beavers, raccoons, red foxes, muskrats, coyotes and porcupines. The zoo placed cameras across a 25-mile area of the river to photograph wildlife. Meg Halaburda, also from the zoo, said the partnership includes floating cleanups, trail cleanups, pollinator planting and tree planting.

The parkway trail stretches more than 47 miles from Utah Lake in Saratoga Springs to Center Street in North Salt Lake, passing through 16 cities. It is the largest paved trail in Utah.

Millcreek has its own access point. A trailhead, boat launch and bridge at 1015 W. 4000 South opened in April 2025 as a collaboration among Millcreek, Salt Lake County, the Utah Division of Natural Resources and the commission.

Volunteer opportunities for river stewardship are listed at jordanrivercommission.org.