It’s been a great Earth Month this last April and at Russian Riverkeeper! We’ve been keeping busy to make the greatest impact we can to protect and restore our watershed from harm. Earth Month started in the 1970s as a movement to resist the abuse and neglect caused by consumption. The movement gained momentum as the realization of the impending climate crisis became clear, and as the need to act has increased. Since 1993, Russian Riverkeeper has been advocating for the environment, and celebrating Earth Day since the inception of the organization. We thank each one of you for doing your part to raise awareness of the delicate nature of the environment and doing what needs to be done to minimize harm.
In the past month, we’ve been able to ramp up our efforts to continue our Arundo removal project, educate our community about trash and pollution occurring locally, and continued our monthly cleanups. On Earth Day, Russian Riverkeeper joined forces with Climate Action and the City of Healdsburg in celebrating Earth Day through Climate Fest, a vibrant event featuring a range of activities such as the Earth Protectors Parade, interactive booths, informational displays, music, and crafts for kids. The event was an enjoyable and informative afternoon where we educated our community on several crucial environmental initiatives including the prevention of fire-prone invasive species like Arundo Donax, the Hanson Project, and our Clean Team work. All of these efforts contribute to a better planet and advocate for sustainable practices. The City of Santa Rosa’s Climate Fest was equally successful in engaging people of all ages where many of our partners provided education, performances, and activities for attendees to inspire the community to get involved.
Lastly, we had many enthusiastic volunteers lending a helping hand to clean up the watershed at three different locations. At the Driftwood Beach cleanup, volunteers rose to the task bright and early at 8 am to take on an especially difficult cleanup located in the Jenner Headlands. Steep hills and grading were traversed to get over 600 pounds of trash up the hill and out of this beautiful landscape. At Sunset Beach and Steelhead Beach, we were equally successful where our lead intern from CivicSpark AmeriCorps, Emma Swanson, and volunteers of all ages were able to pick up 10-20 recycled grain bags worth of trash, including two tires and a large throne-like chair. With over 40 volunteers and nearly 1000 pounds of trash in all, it was another great day for cleaning up the watershed before the summer rush and just in time so we can all enjoy this local treasure.
Lastly, we were able to engage several businesses in group cleanups for team bonding experiences that simultaneously helped make a positive environmental impact. Another big shout-out to our environmentally responsible businesses that helped out this month:
- Climate Action and the City of Healdsburg (Climate Fest)
- Sonoma State University Jump Service Program (Cleanup participant recruitment)
- Willowside Middle School (Cleanup participants)
- Keep Nature Wild (Cleanup participant recruitment and supplies)
- Dry Creek Valley Association (Dry Creek Valley cleanup collaboration)
- The City of Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa Creek cleanup collaboration)
- Landmark Vineyards (Badger Park cleanup)
- Sonoma County Regional Parks (Parking Passes for volunteers)
If your business or organization is interested in participating in an existing cleanup or setting up a private event for your company email volunteers@russianriverkeeper.org to get started since at Russian Riverkeeper, EVERY month is Earth Month! We help organize the details, bring supplies, and deal with the trash so you don’t have to!