Taking Hope to the Streams...

Adopt-A-Block has expanded its litter control program this year to include two stream clean-ups as a part of the society’s annual Fall Litter Clean-Up. While litter is first of all unsightly and unpleasant to find in the environment, it also has negative consequences for animals and aquatic life. Most litter is carried off by wind or rain into nearby waterways, degrading sensitive aquatic habitats by; obstructing waterways, adding bacteria and other toxins into the water and by contributing to the depletion of oxygen aquatic life depend on. To address this environmental concern, two stream clean-ups will be conducted in stream areas spoiled by litter. The summer time up until the end of September is the appropriate time of year to tackle stream-side litter when stream water levels are low. Yet, due to the sensitivity of stream habitats, certain precautions and guidelines must be followed. When you undertake a large-scale cleanup of a stream area, you want to be sure you do more good than harm. For example, you can damage stream habitats by removing all large material from the stream. Only human produced materials will be removed that do not disturb natural materials, such as logs and stumps that provide cover for fish.

Applicants that apply for this year’s fall clean-up will be able to choose between a stream clean-up or a regular street-side clean-up during the event. However, volunteers participating in a stream clean-up will need to be aware of appropriate dress wear for the weather and stream conditions. If waders are available, they should bring them along. Rubber boots and other appropriate foot wear will also be mandatory. Safety is also a concern for stream areas, such as slipping hazards (on wet rocks) and water flow causing persons to lose balance. Nonetheless, Adopt-A-Block feels that by expanding the fall clean-up fundraiser to include stream areas, the society will address the larger negative consequences litter has on the environment.
Applications for the Fall Litter Clean-Up are now being accepted until June 30th and are available on the society’s website. All interested Mission non-profits are welcome to apply. Groups selected to participate in a clean-up will be rewarded $250 for their effort.

Litter in Lane Creek, in the industrial area portion of the stream. Picture taken in February 2010.