Leaves collected during the city of Grand Junction’s annual fall pickup are being reused to improve Watson Island, a public space along the Colorado River.

Through a collaborative effort between the city’s General Services and Parks and Recreation departments, a portion of the leaves collected this fall were used on Watson Island, with the remainder processed at the Mesa County Compost Facility, the city said in a news release.

The city said this approach improved efficiency, reduced costs and delivered long-term environmental benefits. In total, 5,470 cubic yards of leaves were redirected to the island, resulting in:

• $6,500 in savings on contract services and landfill fees.
• An estimated $44,000 was saved, because the city avoided purchasing the equivalent of approximately 1,300 cubic yards of compost.

“This program has created a streamlined process that combines financial savings, improved efficiency and most importantly contributes to our long-term goal of restoring vegetation on Watson Island to make it a more beautiful space for the disc golf course community and residents enjoying a nice walk with a river view,” City Forester Rob Davis said.

The compost will be used to improve soil health and restore native vegetation on Watson Island, helping support sustainable land management and a healthier riverfront environment, the news release said. Watson Island’s ongoing restoration reflects decades of city investment that transformed the area from a former disposal site into a revitalized riverfront area.