LAKE COUNTY — The 28th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day takes place Sept. 15, and people and groups interested in participating can do so throughout the county from 9 a.m. to noon that day.
“It goes beyond the coast, to the waterways, back into the watershed to the headwaters,” Carolyn Ruttan, of the Lake County Department of Water Resources, said. “Over the years, the Cleanup Day has expanded to include all lakes, reservoirs, rivers and creeks that eventually flow to the ocean.”
Ruttan is the countywide coordinator and is working with support from each of the county watershed groups, the cities, service groups and organizations such as the Lakeport Yacht Club and the Homeowners of Kono Tayee Estates.
Several businesses and agencies, including Lakeport Disposal, South Lake Refuse, C&S Waste Solutions and Caltrans, are providing supplies, dumpsters and other materials.
In an effort to reduce the environmental footprint of the cleanup itself, organizers encourage volunteers to bring their own reusable supplies from home rather than relying on single-use disposable items provided at each cleanup location.
Participants should bring a bucket or reusable trash-collecting bag, a pair of lightweight gardening gloves, a reusable water bottle, a “trash-free” lunch, closed toe shoes, sunscreen, a hat and weather-appropriate clothes.
Each volunteer will be required to sign a waiver. Volunteers younger than 18 years old must have a parent or guardian signature.
Cleanup locations confirmed thus far include the fire station in Clearlake Oaks, the fire station on Olympic Drive in Clearlake and Natural High School on Main Street in Lakeport. Additional locations could be added.
For information on locations and volunteering, contact Ruttan at 263-2256 or 295-0333.
