Volunteers needed for annual Atascadero Creek and Salinas River cleanup day
–The City of Atascadero and the Atascadero Mutual Water Company are working together to host the Atascadero Creek and River Cleanup Day. This year the event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon and they are looking for volunteers.
Due to a “strong desire from our residents,” the 24th Annual Atascadero Creek and River Clean-Up Day is a “go,” however, in light of the reality of COVID-19, there will be some changes put in place this year. These additional health safety measures include:
- No formal gathering to meet at the beginning of the day.
- All supplies will be distributed from the AMWC Yard, but volunteers are encouraged to come by at their convenience and maintain CDC recommended social distancing at this location.
- Sign-ups will be available for each specific location, both ahead of the event and on the morning of the event, with each location limited to a maximum of 10 people. We encourage small, family/ friend groups of not larger than 10 people.
- Please bring work gloves, sturdy, closed-toe shoes, face coverings, and a small backpack to carry water.
The organizations will not be able to provide any refreshments or lunch at the conclusion of the event. Volunteers will assist with clearing Atascadero Creek and sections of the Salinas River, which are the primary source of recharge for Atascadero’s groundwater aquifers, and keeping these waterways healthy and free of pollution is an important part of protecting Atascadero’s water supply.
To make this event a success, hardworking community volunteers are needed. Team leaders will not be assigned this year, but each group will be assigned to a specific creek section. It is extremely helpful if your family/ friend groups have trucks to haul the debris to the AMWC Yard.
Sponsors of the event include the Atascadero Mutual Water Company and the Groundwater Program, the City of Atascadero, and Waste Management. For additional information, call the City of Atascadero Public Works Department at (805) 470-3456.
