Great Sierra River Cleanup Comes to the Merced River on Saturday, September 23, 2023
September 15, 2023 - The Upper Merced River Watershed Council is proud to participate in the annual GREAT SIERRA RIVER CLEANUP taking place along the Merced River on September 23 from 9:00 A.M. – 12 noon. Volunteers will converge on the river to haul away cigarette butts, recyclables, leftover summer beach items, and more.
“We care about our Merced River, and this cleanup effort is a great way for community volunteers to come out and show some love,” says Kristina Rylands of the Upper Merced River Watershed Council. “We hope to attract volunteers of all ages for a fun and worthwhile day of stewardship.”
The Watershed Council would like to sign up as many people and groups as possible to address trash being found after a busy summer along the river. The Merced River cleanup will take place along the Bureau of Land Management segment of the Merced Wild & Scenic River area, located along Highway 140, west of Yosemite National Park.
We will meet at the Merced River Recreation Area parking lot at Briceburg. All cleanup gear will be provided for a fun morning of stewardship. All ages welcome, and children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian. Snacks, water, and a light lunch will be provided as a THANK YOU to volunteers, so please RSVP. Volunteers can pre-register at www.merced-river.org/events/great-sierra-river-cleanup to take part. Walk-in volunteers are welcome, as well.
This event is part of the Great Sierra River Cleanup which is taking place on rivers throughout the Sierra region which in turn is part of the California-wide Coastal Cleanup Day. “It’s the largest volunteer effort in the state,” says Rylands, “and we’re pleased to add the Merced Wild & Scenic River to the list of waterways being cleaned up. This is an event for the whole family. We’re encouraging school, church and other community groups to come join us.”
The Upper Merced River Watershed Council is a nonprofit organization based in Mariposa County whose mission is to protect and enhance the Merced Wild and Scenic River through education, stewardship, and partnership-based projects.
To learn more, visit www.merced-river.org or email mercedwatershed@gmail.com
Source & photo: Upper Merced River Watershed Council
