Submitted by San Juan County

In a powerful demonstration of unity and environmental responsibility, 282 dedicated volunteers banded together on April 20 for the Spring Great Islands Clean-up spanning Orcas, San Juan, Shaw, Lopez, Stuart, Decatur, Waldron, and Yellow Islands. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the impressive removal of 4,679 pounds of litter from 272 miles of island roads and beaches.

“Our community united during the Spring Great Islands Clean-up and showed the power of collective action,” said Katie Fleming, San Juan County’s Solid Waste Coordinator. “Through our combined efforts, we removed an awesome amount of litter from our shorelines and roads.”

The Great Islands Clean Up, a bi-annual event held each Spring and Fall, stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration. It is coordinated by the County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship Solid Waste Program, in partnership with Orcas Recycling Services, Lautenbach Recycling, Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District, San Juan Sanitation, Friends of the San Juans, the Stewardship Network of the San Juans, Plastic Free Salish Sea, and numerous dedicated individual, business, and service group volunteers.

To contribute to the ongoing mission of safeguarding our islands, visit plasticfreesalishsea.org/adopt-a-beach/. Together, we can make a difference for our beautiful islands year-round.

About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship

San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources, and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Rd., Friday Harbor, Washington 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/839/Environmental-Stewardship.