Tread Lightly! has continued its stewardship efforts throughout the United States, but this one may take the cake for the largest clean-up. Beginning on July 11, 2022, 105 volunteers removed 131,780 pounds of trash from the China Hat area in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon.
This project was a huge undertaking, and many volunteers put in over 20 hours of work over a two-day period. Together they removed debris, abandoned vehicles, and old tires from the area. The project was organized by PLS Bend and Tread Lightly!.
“It truly felt like a groundbreaking event and a moment where people from all different walks truly started to see some things from the other side of the fence and from a perspective outside their own," Jeremy Evans, PLS Bend, said. "It’s incredible to be part of something so positive, with so many people participating and working towards common goals in outdoor recreation and stewardship.”
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities on their website.
