RCD’s Creek Clean-Up Efforts Rejuvenate Local Watersheds
To help keep Napa County’s waterways clean, the RCD coordinates two major clean-up events each year to remove litter that has found its way into local rivers and creeks. The first of these events is the Earth Day Cleanup that occurs annually in April to kick off the Earth Day celebrations in Napa. This event has averaged over 160 volunteers and has removed an average of 4,300 pounds of trash and 1,400 pounds of recyclables from five sites throughout Napa.
The second event, Coastal Clean-Up Day, is part of the annual state-wide effort held in September. This event attracts over 450 volunteers each year who remove approximately 8,000 pounds of trash and 3,600 pounds of recyclables from 11 sites in Napa County each year.
Besides these two important annual events, the RCD also will accept requests for on-demand cleanups such as when it assisted in a marsh cleanup with Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines to remove 1,125 pounds of trash and 72 pounds of recyclables. It is the hope of the RCD that efforts like these will help preserve the Napa Valley’s natural beauty and keep our waterways pristine.
Quick facts:
- Significance: Every year, thousands of pounds of litter is dumped or finds its way into local waterways. The RCD organizes two main clean-up opportunities each year to help keep our rivers, creeks, and lakes clean.
- Where: Generally, 5 sites for Earth Day (April) and 11 sites for Coastal Cleanup Day (September).
- Results: Approximately 12,000 pounds of trash and 5,000 pounds of recycling is removed by over 500 volunteers every year.
- Funds: Napa Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program, Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, California Coastal Commission
- Partners: RCD, Napa Recycling and Waste Services, Recology, and Upper Valley Disposal and Recycling.