The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District:
Ukiah-Would you like to make an immediate and lasting improvement to the environment and have fun doing it? Does the sight of litter in our creeks make you want to take action? Then come join the annual Ukiah Valley Russian River Cleanup, held on Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 17, from 8:30 AM to Noon.
“The cleanup is a great opportunity to make a difference in both the local and global environment,” says Deborah Edelman, Water Resources Program Manager for the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District. “By picking up litter, especially plastic, you prevent it from polluting our creeks and ending up in the ocean. Our local cleanup is one of hundreds held worldwide on Coastal Cleanup Day to prevent litter from contaminating drinking water and killing fish.”
Edelman notes that cigarette butts are the most frequently collected item, followed by single-use plastic packaging, such as food wrappers. “Most people associate creek cleanups with large objects like tires, but small litter matters just as much. Cigarette butts release a plume of toxic chemicals and do enormous harm to water quality and wildlife.”
Be part of the solution! To join the cleanup, pre-register at https://forms.gle/L2MC3eALUeYy79EC9 by September 10. Volunteers will gather at 9 AM for a safety talk and to divide into teams. Come early at 8:30 to sign in and get muffins donated by Schat’s Bakery and coffee donated by Black Oak Coffee Roasters. Bring a water bottle, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. No flip flops!
The event is co-sponsored by the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District, Mendocino County Water Agency, and Redwood Waste Solutions. For questions or for more information, contact Deborah Edelman at deborah.edelman@mcrcd.org.
