For the past 13 years, the Town of Truckee has held a town-wide Cleanup Day and Block Party on the first Saturday in June. Volunteers manage check-in stations in the local neighborhoods and everyone from small children (with parents in tow) to senior citizens, spend an hour or so cleaning up roadside trash in their part of town. Trash bags are provided at the stations, and a limited-edition t shirt for all participants, as well. Afterwards, you can meet and greet your neighbors and friends at the Truckee River Regional Park for a down home BBQ that is free for event volunteers. There will be a festive atmosphere at the BBQ, with live music and booths manned by representatives from local non-profit organizations, sharing information about their groups.
The Truckee River Watershed Council is a big part of the event, as well. “Weed Warrior” stations will be set up at Pioneer Trail, Tahoe Donner, Glenshire and the Ponderosa Ranchos. This allows you to participate in hands-on, group eradication of specific infestations under the leadership of a trained botanist. You’ll learn identification and removal techniques, as well as critical disposal methods. If not done properly, simply pulling unwanted plants can stimulate invasion. For more information on how you can help, click here or call Jeanette Halderman at Truckee River Watershed Council @ 550-8760 x6. Bring your work gloves and trowels.
Former Mayor, Maia Schneider, was the brain child behind this unique concept, and we’re proud to say that Dickson Realty has been involved since its inception. Dickson agent, Anna Grahn-Nilsson, has been our office spearhead, and the last few years she has been assisted by Listing Manager, Ginny Pomroy. They will be at the Dickson office at 11836 Donner Pass Road to check in participants and answer any questions bright and early on the 3rd.
In fact, Anna just received the 'Truckee Day Hall of Fame Award for 2017" from the Truckee Town Council for her unending support and initial contribution to the founding of Truckee Day, as well as a proclamation outlining her many contributions to the Truckee community. She even came up with the “tag line” for the event, “Where the Streets Shine Brighter” - a play on the “Stars Shine Brighter in Truckee” license plate holders that you see everywhere. We’re so proud of her and her contributions to our community.
Many local businesses help to sponsor this event, as well they should. As a resort area, it makes sense to put our best face forward as the height of the visitor season approaches. But it’s also a wonderful way for each of us to take ownership of this lovely spot we call “home”. Additionally, it’s a great educational, environmental teaching moment for our children. A recent cleanup day garnered over 3 tons of trash – a frightening amount.
Check in stations will open at 8:00 AM – get there early to get your materials, volunteer t-shirt, and free lunch ticket. So, grab some work gloves, and some friends, and make our part of the world a better place. You need not pre-register to participate, just show up at one of the check-in stations on the day of the event. You’ll find a list of those stations here. See you at the BBQ!
