'Desert Adventures' Organizes Cleanup on ‘Earth Day’
In celebration of Earth Day 2009, Desert Adventures organized a clean-up of Berdoo Canyon off of Dillon Road just east of Indio Hills. Fifiteen Desert Adventures guides and staff were joined by a work crew from Burrtec Waste Management, Wanda Raschkow from the Bureau of Land Management, three members of the Front Runners/Great Outdoors Hiking Club, and a handful of community volunteers.
Wanda Raschkow, Cultural Resources Specialist with the South Coast Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management, kicked things off with a brief training on identifying "Historic Trash" left over from early Coachella Valley mining operations and water district projects, which was left untouched. After her informative presentation, the crews got to work removing discarded tires, mattresses, and other large items that had been illegally dumped. The volunteers also picked up buckets full of broken glass, empty bottles and cans, and shot gun shells. By the end of the 4-hour clean-up, the volunteers had filled a 40 cubic yard dumpster with assorted trash and more than 100 tires that had been illegally dumped in the canyon.
Following the clean-up, volunteers were treated to another informative presentation by Wanda Raschkow on the History of the Water Project and building of the Colorado River Aqueduct that runs through the Coachella Valley. The workers enjoyed pizza and pasta bowls, donated by local restaurants, during Wanda’s presentation. Desert Adventures provided fresh fruit, bottled water and other beverages, and all of the plates, napkins, cups, and utensils for the lunch.
"This was such a rewarding day for us all" said Mitch Cazier of Desert Adventures. "Everyone worked hard and with such passion".
Nancy Cohee, also of Desert Adventures noted that everyone was so happy with the result of their efforts.
"It is amazing what a few people can do when we come together for a common cause".
Desert Adventures wishes to thank the following people and organizations who pitched in to make this clean-up effort successful:
. Burrtec Waste Management - for donating a 40 cubic yard dumpster and sending a hard-working crew to
assist with the clean up effort.
.The Office of County Supervisor Roy Wilson and the County of Riverside - for waiving the normal dump fees
for the dumpster.
.The Bureau of Land Management - for their assistance in coordinating this event.
. Wanda Raschkow of the Bureau of Land Management - for her informative presentations on "Historic Trash" and
History of the Water Project along with her tireless work throughout the morning.
. Michael Salotti of All Pro Pizza (74-990 Country Club Drive, Suite 300, Palm Desert) for donating 5 extra large pizzas
for lunch.
. Carol Paul and Tom Nolen of Dominoes Pizza (81-940 Hwy 111, Indio) for donating 30 of their delicious new pasta
bowls for lunch.
. Scott Connelley and the other volunteers from the Front Runners / Great Outdoors Hiking Club
. Jeff Gardner of Adventure Hummer Tours.
. And community members Susanne Jarvinen and Timothy Trutna who showed up to help out and lend their support.
Every day should be Earth Day. If everyone would do their small part, every day, we can make our community and our planet a cleaner, happier "Mother Earth".