2009 Creek Cleanup Registration.
Information for Volunteers
What you should know about the Creek Cleanup
What to wear?
- Wear boots or solid shoes with thick soles. DO NOT wear flip-flops or sandals - solid footwear will make it easier to walk in the riparian areas (the strip of vegetation next to the creek) and there may be hazards that could harm you if you are wearing exposed toe footwear.
- Heavy pants such as jeans are best - most of the creeks are surrounded by trees and brush in the riparian areas and shorts do not provide protection.
- Be prepared for the weather - you may need a hat, sunglasses sunscreen etc.
- Bring work gloves if you have them - latex gloves will also be provided.
How to clean?
- The dates of the clean are very close to salmon spawning time - this means that disturbing the creekbed and stirring up silt should be avoided as much as possible as it is very harmful to salmon and other wildlife.
- Clean as much trash as possible in the riparian areas - and only clean easily accessible trash in the waterways - no embedded or buried garbage (ie: do not pull partially or fully buried tires out of the creek - this is something that could be organized at a different part of the year if desired).
- Broken glass can be placed in buckets.
- Drop all garbage off at the designated location for your reach.
What to bring?
- Garbage bags will be provided.
- Sunscreen
- Work Gloves
- Snacks or juice/water
What about needles?
- The Health Unit in Vernon has informed us that the best way to deal with any needles you might find is to use common sense. First, ensure everyone is wearing boots or thick soled footwear. It would be best to have one person (preferably the coordinator) responsible for dealing with any needles. If a needle is located, call the coordinator over who will, while wearing gloves, use the tongs provided to carefully place the needle in the designated sharp container, milk jug or coffee can.
Most importantly....HAVE FUN!
If you have any questions, please contact the Allan Brooks Nature Centre at 260-4227 or email info@abnc.ca.