As temperatures begin to warm and community members return to the beach to enjoy the lake, we are excited to announce the return of our weekly summer beach cleanups. These cleanups are an important part of protecting our local waterways, preserving the natural beauty of the beach, and creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the community to enjoy. Last year, we collected more than 750 pounds of trash, ranging from cigarette butts and food wrappers to tires and scrap wood.
Cleanup season begins on Friday June 26th, with weekly sessions every Friday until August 21. This year, all cleanups will start at 8:30 a.m., with volunteers meeting at the Sandpoint Restoration Area before heading out. If a Friday falls on a holiday, that week’s cleanup will instead take place on the Thursday prior.
NRD Youth on task.
Community members of all ages are encouraged to participate. Volunteers are welcome to join for as much time as they are able, whether that means helping for the entire cleanup or stopping by for a short time. Every bag of trash collected and every hour volunteered contributes to protecting the shoreline and improving the health of our local environment. We clean 9 local beaches, both on and off the reservation. Upon arrival volunteers will be provided a map and supplies, including gloves and garbage bags.
These weekly cleanups not only help remove litter and debris from the beach but also help prevent waste from entering the water and impacting wildlife habitats. Plastics, fishing line, food wrappers, and other litter can pose serious risks to birds, fish, and other aquatic species. By working together to keep the beach clean, we are helping protect the ecosystem’s health while creating a cleaner, more enjoyable space for recreation, swimming, fishing, and family and friend gatherings.
NRD Staff post cleanup.
While the majority of the cleanup efforts are led by our NRD youth workers, the program is also supported by community organizations, local businesses, and KBIC departments that generously donate their time throughout the summer. Their continued involvement demonstrates the strong community commitment to environmental stewardship and caring for our natural resources. Organizations or groups interested in sponsoring or taking over one of the weekly cleanups are encouraged to contact Cera Shelafoe for more information. You can contact her by email at cshelafoe@kbic-nsn.gov or by phone at (906) 524-5757 ext. 4239.
We are looking forward to another successful season of working together to care for our beaches, protect our waters, and keep these important spaces clean and accessible for everyone to enjoy.