The 31st Annual SLV River & Road Clean-up, organized by The Valley Women’s Club (www.valleywomensclub.org), takes place in Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, and Felton on Saturday, September 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lompico Community Center holds their annual Cleanup the same morning from 9:00 am to noon. The VWC and Lompico coordinate the effort with Save Our Shores, whose morning Coastal Cleanup now reaches up the River. Each organization emphasizes the link between the health of the San Lorenzo River Watershed to the health of the Bay and the Ocean, and needs volunteers of all ages to come help.
In Felton, volunteers can check-in at the table at the Felton Covered Bridge Park starting at 9:00 am and continuing until 3:00 pm. Further up the Valley, participants may come to the Ben Lomond table right on Hwy 9 near Fillmore St., or to the SLV Redemption/Recycling Center (behind the Village Wash & Dry) in Boulder Creek.
Safety is paramount during the Cleanup. Volunteers are required to sign a waiver of liability, and children 12 and under must be with an adult. Anyone working along the River or a creek must have a buddy. Bring gloves and wear sturdy shoes and readily visible clothing. Large signs warning drivers will be posted along Cleanup routes, and safety vests are available.
Students can earn Community Service credit for the hours they work; forms are provided.
The River & Road Cleanup is again generously supported by the SLV Water District and the County of Santa Cruz. Each provides a dump truck and drivers to haul recyclables and trash to the Ben Lomond Transfer Station, where the County will provide free disposal of the trash. The VWC’s three SLV Redemption/Recycling Centers will process the recyclable materials.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring cars and trucks to help transport materials to the three pick-up points, and are encouraged to enlist family and friends.
Valley Women’s Club volunteers will staff the SLV sign-in/weigh-in stations, provide trash bags, latex gloves, snacks, and water, and can suggest cleanup locations.
If you know of a place needing special attention this year, or need additional information, contact VWC Environmental Committee Chair, Nancy Macy: 831- www.vwcweb.org | 335-1728 | nbbm@cruzio.com