Siuslaw Estuary Cleanup

Spring is in the air, and trash is in the estuary! Join the Siuslaw Watershed Council and McKenzie River Trust for the third annual Siuslaw Estuary Cleanup.

Spring is an ideal time to take to the water and remove debris from estuary islands and low-lying wetlands, pushed up on the downriver side by the winter's tides. Keeping these important ecosystems trash-free is critical not only for their wellbeing, but also for the wellbeing of neighboring communities who depend on all the ocean and river estuary have to offer.

This year we are excited to partner with artist Elizabeth Roberts. As part of our cleanup we will be separating suitable plastics for use in her art. Elizabeth's work can be found on her Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/marinedebris911/

Artists Statement:

"As a passionate advocate for clean oceans and coastal stewardship, I spend much of my free time hiking and exploring Oregon's beautiful coastline and watersheds. Over the years I have participated in large scale marine debris removal projects and research expeditions in both the Gulf of Alaska and the Gulf of Maine. As an artist, I use marine debris to create art that inspires awareness about plastic pollution and how single use plastic and our consumer choices are impacting our oceans fragile ecosystems."

Ticket option 1: General Admission

We have several generous volunteer boat captains who will shuttle attendees to and from cleanup sites. Choose this ticket option if you wish to participate but do not plan to bring your own watercraft. Please note that the size of this event is contingent on the number of seats available in boats; if you are interested in acting as a volunteer boat captain yourself, please contact SWC project manager Elijah at [email protected].

Ticket option 2: Bring your own paddle craft

Kayakers and canoers who wish to bring their own watercraft are welcome to do so - if this is the case please select the ticket option 'Bring your own paddle craft'. Paddlers will meet for introductions at the Port of Siuslaw with other attendees but will need to put in further upriver; more information on specific locations will be available closer to the event.

Physical Requirements

Please note that this event will require physical activity including getting in and out of watercraft, walking on uneven, potentially slippery terrain, some stooping, kneeling, and lifting.

Acknowledgements

A big thank you to Coastal Transfer and Recyling for donating a roll-off dumpster for the event, to all of our volunteer boat captains for ferrying us (and the garbage) where we need to go, and to the Port of Siuslaw for the staging location!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Port of Siuslaw, 80 Harbor Street, Florence, United States