Saturday April 27th, 2024 9am

Check out last year's radio interview about Great American Cleanup! 

Alli Schuch, Executive Director, Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District talks to KRDO News Radio 105.5 FM, 1240 AM, and 92.5 FM about the Great American Cleanup!  Listen here.

About GAC

The Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup is the nation’s largest community improvement program, which takes place annually during spring in over 15,000 communities nationwide.

The Fountain Creek Watershed District will conduct this 1-day cleanup with local governments, nonprofits, Friends groups, and neighborhoods. The District is dedicated to fostering a sense of environmental responsibility, and community pride, and inspiring action to enhance the health and vitality of our local watershed. 

How to Volunteer

Cleanup volunteers fall into one of two roles: Crew Leader or Crew Member.

Crew Leaders select a cleanup site and coordinate essential details such as the start and end times, meeting locations, parking arrangements, water break spots, and the overall trash management plan. They also determine the desired number of participants for their crew.

Crew Members sign up under the site or Crew Leader of their choice and communicate with their Crew Leader for necessary information. The Crew members show up and get to work making our community a cleaner, safer, more beautiful place!

Cleanup Supplies

Cleanup equipment such as trash bags, gloves, trash grabbers, sharp shafts, reflective vests, eye protection, and buckets will be provided at no cost. Crew Leaders must attend the Material Pickup to collect their supplies before the cleanup date. 

Material Pickup: April 12th, 2:30-5:30 pm and April 13th, 9:00-11 am at Bear Creek Maintenance Shop 1802 Creek Crossing Street 

Safety

The Fountain Creek Watershed District takes the safety of our volunteers seriously. It is the absolute top priority regarding community cleanups. To ensure the safety of our volunteers, we prioritize the following: 

• Thorough Planning and Site Assessment: Before any cleanup event, we recommend that crew leaders perform a site walk-through/ evaluation. This allows us to implement effective safety measures and create a secure environment for all volunteers.
• Safety Equipment and Gear: As stated above, the District provides volunteers with appropriate safety equipment and gear to minimize risks during the cleanup activities. Please dress appropriately for Colorado's ever-changing weather, bring sunscreen, and insect repellent, and wear closed-toe shoes.
• Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the cleanup process, our team continually monitors the weather conditions to address any evolving situations.  We ask that volunteers be prepared to adapt to any changing circumstances.
• Training and Orientation: Our volunteers receive thorough training and orientation sessions that cover safety protocols, proper equipment usage, and guidelines for navigating specific cleanup sites. This equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to participate safely. 
  • An optional, Hybrid Crew Leader Training will take place on April 12th from 5:30-6:30 pm at the El Paso County Parks & Community Services 2002 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs,  CO 80905
  • Register for the Zoom Meeting here
  • Crew Leaders are expected to review the Safety Guidelines Document below and discuss with cleanup volunteers.

Trash Disposal

Trash disposal is a crucial aspect of our cleanup efforts, and as a Crew Leader, it's your responsibility to devise a suitable "trash plan." Here are several options to consider:

1. GOCOS! App or Website:
   • Utilize the GOCOS! app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gocos/id1483976080) or website (https://coloradosprings.gov/gocos) to locate designated trash disposal sites and learn about proper disposal procedures in your area. 
2. Nearby Dumpster or Trailhead Trash Receptacle:
   • Check for nearby dumpsters or trailhead trash receptacles where you can safely dispose of collected waste. Be sure to coordinate with local authorities or property owners if necessary.
3. Personal/Company Dumpster or Trash Receptacle:
   • If available, consider using a personal or company dumpster or trash receptacle for disposal. Ensure that you have permission and follow any guidelines provided by the dumpster owner.
4. Roll-Off Dumpsters (Limited Availability):
   • There will be a limited number of roll-off dumpsters available for specific crew leaders. If you require a roll-off dumpster, please coordinate with event organizers to secure one for your cleanup site.

Participants 17 or under must have a parent or guardian sign-off through the Cervis sign-in portal. All participants are required to register through the online platform. 

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors! 

Questions?

Email fountaincreekoutreach@gmail.com