Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to specify one creek if I just want to help out for the event?
No, please select "any" and we will direct you to an area in need of additional volunteers.
I have physical limitations and can't get down in the creek to pick up trash or cut vegetation. Can I still help?
Absolutely! Volunteers are needed to help at the command centers with directing other volunteers, handing out water, offering aid, and other duties. Volunteers with pick-up trucks are needed to haul material to staging areas.
What should I bring and wear on clean-up day?
The creeks may have some standing water and of course have rocky, unstable bottoms. Vegetation is also thick in some areas of the creeks. Please wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and sturdy (closed toe) boots or shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and gloves. We plan to provide water, trash bags for items collected and have a limited number of vegetation loppers and gloves.
Can I bring the rest of my family to the volunteer appreciation lunch?
Upon check-in, each volunteer will receive a wrist band indicating their participation in the event. Lunch will only be available to individuals with a wristband. We encourage families to participate, including children who are able to join adults with their designated task.
Do I have to sign the waiver of liability?
Yes. You can electronically accept the waiver of liability upon registering here on the website, or do so on event day. All children under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
Which organizations are coordinating this event?
Numerous community and neighborhood groups have joined together to make this happen, including, but not limited to: California Department of Fish & Game, Churn Creek Bottom Homeowners and Friends, City of Redding, Neighbors of Churn Creek, Rotary Club of Redding Stream Team, Shasta County, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Western Shasta Resource Conservation District
I live along one of the creeks. Do I have to participate in the event?
All landowners along the creeks will receive a letter in July regarding this event, with an option to exclude their property. You do not have to volunteer with the clean-up. California law allows entrance to the creek channel from a public access point such as a bridge. Volunteers will only be working in the creek channels. Please contact us if you have further questions.
I am currently a high school student. Can I receive community service credit for volunteering?
We can provide you with a certificate for participation in the event. Credit for your participation is up to your teacher or school administrator. This applies to any individual seeking a certificate for participation.
I own/work for a company which uses heavy equipment. Are these items helpful for the event?
Yes! In 2006, a backhoe allowed us to maximize the space in the large dumpsters. This year, several abandoned vehicles have been located and will need to be towed to a wrecking facility. Small tractors (such as a "Bobcat") are helpful with unloading debris from pick-up trucks and transferring it into the containers. If you have other equipment suggestions, please let us know in advance.
Will you recycle items that can be re-used?
All items will be disposed of properly, which is why proper separation is required at the staging areas. Green waste will be composted or turned into energy through a local co-generation plant. Appliances, electronics, tires and other specialty items will be sorted and recycled or disposed of according to current local and state laws. Concrete and large metal items will be recycled as appropriate.
I'd like to donate money for the lunch or other items. Whom do I contact?
Please contact us at 225-4505 as soon as possible. In the past, donations from several businesses have helped to cover the costs of disposal, the volunteer lunch, and event t-shirts. We also accept donations of first aid kits, drinking water, gloves and other event-day items.
I live in an area outside Redding, such as Palo Cedro, Shingletown or Burney, for example. Can you help me get an event like this started in my community?
We would be happy to assist you with planning for an event in 2009 after our September 6th event has concluded. This annual event has provided new experiences and lessons each year, and the more creeks that can be cleaned of choking debris, the better our communities can thrive. This event is held in September in conjunction with the California Coastal Cleanup Day.
Will this be an annual event?
2008 marks the 3rd annual event! If you'd like to help coordinate the creek clean-up event in 2009 and beyond, please contact us. If you have suggestions on areas in and around Redding that are in need of a clean-up effort, please contact us.