The 8th annual Spokane River Clean Up is September 25th and volunteers are needed. Support this great event and support the Spokane River.
Last year more than 800 volunteers collected eight tons of debris from along the banks of the Spokane River in the Spokane River Gorge area and the University District.
I’ve volunteered for this event many times and have been a team leader on a few occasions. I’ve found it to be one of the most rewarding volunteer endeavors I’ve ever engaged in. Now is your opportunity to volunteer. Maybe you’ve participated in the past and would like a bigger role, maybe you’ve been leading teams for yours, or maybe you’d like to jump right in on your first time and assume a leadership role. Whatever the case, we could use your help.
To get excited, here is an S-R article about last year’s event and a photo slideshow as well.
Spokane River Clean-Up
The Spokane River Clean Up needs volunteers for key positions that make the event possible. To volunteer for any of the roles described below, please call Stephen Barbieri at (509) 953-6437 or Shawna Sampson at (509) 951-0608. If you simply want to participate in the clean up, please preregister (starting August 30) at www.friendsofthefalls.org.
Team Leaders (70): On September 25, from 8:30 – 12:30: supervise a team of about 30 people within their assigned area, helping to make sure volunteers follow guidelines for handling recyclables, flag and call–in trash that needs special handling, and make sure trash is left only in the designated pick up areas. Familiarity with the outdoors is a plus. Basic first-aid knowledge is helpful, but not required. We need about 70 team leaders this year!
Team leaders must attend an orientation meeting a few days before the clean up (Sept 22, 6 p.m., location to be determined), where we review the overall plan and discuss guidelines for handling trash and recyclables, and dealing with hazards. Then we work together to assemble the gear bags that are distributed to volunteers on the morning of September 25. This meeting will last about 2 hours.
Parking Attendants (3): On September 25, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m., greet clean-up participants as they park in the west lot at Spokane Falls Community College and provide each participant with a free bus pass for the STA shuttle. Participate in the clean up from 10 – noon if desired. Attendance at the September 22 orientation meeting is optional.
Take Down Crew (4): On September 25, from about 2 – 3 p.m., help clean up after the clean up! Working in either High Bridge Park or the U District, take down chairs and tables, load unused supplies, etc. Attendance at the September 22 orientation meeting is optional.
