Grand Junction resident Dave Lord has spent part of almost every evening for the past three years diligently cleaning Matchett Park, a municipally owned parcel of land. With his border collie, Hershey, by his side, Lord has removed countless pounds of waste, from discarded tires and furniture to tiny fragments of glass and Airsoft pellets, all without seeking financial compensation for his numerous hours of volunteer work.
Now, Lord has approached the City Council with a different request: he wants the city to establish "Hershey’s Loop," a trail through the property named after his loyal dog. He first brought his request to the council in February and followed up on September 2, seeking an update on the proposal.
Lord’s motivation for the extensive cleanup effort began with his concern for Hershey, who is a trained service animal. He worried about her stepping on shards of broken glass and other refuse during their daily walks. Over time, the project became a significant part of their routine, and Lord credits Hershey as a major source of his motivation. He pointed out that Hershey patiently gave up attention and playtime as he focused on the cleanup, stating, “This dog and I, we’re very connected.”
The loop in question is currently an informal, tightly packed dirt path that winds around bike ramps and creek-carved ravines within Matchett Park. Lord hopes city officials will formalize the trail with a sign, and perhaps consider more significant improvements, such as a paved walkway, if his request is approved.
His volunteer initiative has not gone unnoticed by local officials. The Grand Junction Parks and Recreation department has previously highlighted Lord’s efforts in its newsletter and on social media. Additionally, the Grand Junction Sports Commission provided a written endorsement when he made his initial request to council members in February.
Lord’s cleanup efforts have primarily focused on the northern half of Matchett Park, closer to his home. He maintains a boundary at a creek on the property, refusing to venture further west. He explained that beyond the creek, the contrast is stark, with colorful glass shards glittering in the soil. “I’ll never touch it because I’d just get consumed, so the edge of the creek is my boundary,” Lord said.
Over the years, the nature of the trash Lord has removed has become increasingly granular. Early cleanup trips involved hauling off large items like wooden pallets, tires, and furniture, often with assistance from city crews. More recently, his hauls have diminished to a bagful, then a pocketful, of small items like glass shards, plastic pellets, and busted Tupperware, often revealed by recent rainfall.
Despite the ongoing nature of the work, Lord remains optimistic about his request to the City Council. He isn't planning a formal petition or a more dramatic campaign but hopes elected officials will hear him out. He stated he was "trying not to be too pushy" with his follow-up, aiming to "put this back in their thoughts, so it doesn’t get forgotten."
Matchett Park, a 205-acre ranch acquired by the city in the 1990s, has seen several nearby developments, including the soon-to-open Community Recreation Center, a new auditorium at Independence Academy, and bike ramps used by COPMOBA.
Beyond his personal request, Lord hopes his story will encourage others in Grand Junction to take simple actions to keep their community clean. “I long for the day that I go out there and I don’t see anything,” he said, adding that he hopes his example inspires others to pick up trash when they see it, whether in a park, on a sidewalk, or elsewhere. He believes that even small individual efforts can collectively make a significant difference in keeping the community tidy.
