Sedona, Arizona November 16-17 — Leave No Trace recently participated in a massive clean-up effort that attracted more than 112 volunteers. Participants in the Oak Creek Collaborative effort removed ~390 pounds of litter from the Oak Creek watershed and included members of 15 locally based stakeholder organizations.
“At Leave No Trace, we recognize that litter cleanups and volunteer efforts are vital to preserving the integrity of our natural spaces. The Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup exemplifies this commitment, uniting over 15 organizations and dedicated individuals to restore the beauty of Oak Creek. By participating in such initiatives, we not only remove harmful debris but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for our environment. We encourage everyone to join these efforts, as collective action is essential in maintaining the health and beauty of our cherished natural areas. ” said Brice Esplin, Director of Sustainable Tourism at Leave No Trace
The cleanup event wasn’t just about collecting litter—it was an opportunity to reflect on the impact of waste on fragile ecosystems like Oak Creek. Volunteers reported finding everything from food wrappers and plastic bottles to fishing line and cigarette butts, all of which pose significant threats to the water quality and wildlife in the area. Every piece of trash removed was one less hazard for the delicate plants and animals that call this watershed home, including the threatened narrow-headed garter snake.
“ADEQ and other organizations regularly pick up litter left behind by people who park along the side of the highway and recreate along the creek. Despite our best efforts, there’s more trash to be removed than we can manage when working on our own. That’s why all these organizations that care for the creek are hosting this event. It’ll give us a chance to compliment everyone’s efforts to keep the creek clean and healthy,” said Ron Tiller, with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Beyond the tangible results, the event showcased the power of collaboration. Stakeholders, volunteers, and community members worked side by side, sharing stories and a common goal: protecting this treasured natural area. The energy and dedication of everyone involved highlighted the importance of ongoing education and action to reduce litter at its source. Events like these not only clean up the landscape but also inspire long-term stewardship among participants and the community at large.
Leave No Trace has established successful partnerships with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Arizona Office of Tourism to help protect natural resources for residents and tourists alike. These partnerships have created a public-facing message that informs and inspires the public to steward parks and protected areas. The recent clean-up event was a component of the award-winning Oak Creek Caretaker campaign that Leave No Trace helped design and implement.