Coastal Cleanup Around the Corner
Aug 14, 2024 11:18AM ● By Angela Underwood
DIXON, CA (MPG) - Pond C is about to see some TLC.
Like last year, Dixon residents will traipse down to the local waterway on Sept. 21 to offer some tender love and care at the Solano County Coastal Cleanup.
“Last year, the City of Dixon had 16 volunteers participate in Coastal Cleanup,” said junior city engineer Leland Markusen, adding that they had participated for more than two decades. “Last year, together they collected 115 pounds of trash and two pounds of CRV (California Refund Value) recyclables.”
Pond C in Dixon is about to get a makeover at the Sept. 21 Solano County Coastal Cleanup, where Dixon residents pick up trash at the site. Photo Courtesy of Solano Resource Conservation District
Dixon has partnered with Cleanup Solano and Solano Resource Conservation District beyond September on several projects besides the Coastal Cleanup. In addition to participating in the annual Earth Day event, Markusen mentioned a more comprehensive resident-assisted development in the Urban Rivers Grant Project.
“This partnership worked with hundreds of community members and students to plant over 2,000 native trees and shrubs and 20,000 native sedge, rush and forb plugs at Pond C,” Markusen said. “And 730 pounds of native grass and wildflower seed were drill seeded throughout the basin.”
Two residents take their time looking for trash along Pond C during a Solano County Coastal Cleanup. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon
Other projects include the Interpretative Walk installed at Pond C, an annual Watershed Explorer field trip connecting local students who assist in retention pond work.
“We are currently working with them on a monarch habitat,” Markusen said.
Public information officer Madeline Graf said the Coastal Cleanup is an opportunity for individuals, community groups, schools and families to join together to better our community.
As seen here, residents are advised to wear jackets, hats and other protective clothing to protect themselves from the elements. Photo courtesy of the City of Dixon
“While Dixon is inland from the coast, it is important to remember that the debris at our retention ponds would otherwise flow untreated into creeks, rivers and eventually the ocean,” Graf said.
Solano County Cleanup provides all the supplies for Dixon residents who come to clean up Pond C, including bags, gloves, data cards and pencils; however, they ask on their website to “please help us reduce waste generated at each” by bringing personal cleanup supplies, including a bucket, bags and work gloves.
“Help conserve paper by downloading the CleanSwell app on your iPhone or Android mobile device,” the website advises.
“The app allows the cleanup organizers to understand how much and what type of waste is collected,” Graf said.
Solano County Cleanup advises wearing sunscreen, close-toed shoes, a hat and a jacket, instructing one to “be prepared to be outside in potentially changing weather for at least half a day.”
Trash collection is not discriminatory, according to Graf, who said children are welcome to participate in Coastal Cleanup.
“Involving children in local community service events, such as Coastal Cleanup, can help to develop a sense of community and shared responsibility for our public spaces,” Graf said.
The Dixon event is from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 21 at Pond C, East Parkway Boulevard and Yale Drive.
To sign up, volunteers can email Leland Markusen at [email protected].
