Get ready for the Spring 2025 Great Islands Cleanup!
Published 1:30 am Monday, April 14, 2025
Submitted by The Exchange.
It’s hard to believe that this is the 11th year of the Great Islands Cleanup. The GICU started right here on Orcas in 2014. Since then, community volunteers have picked up 12.45 tons of garbage and recycling from the beaches and roadsides of Orcas Island. This year’s spring event will take place on Saturday, April 26, during Earth Day Week. There are several ways you can join us.
Stop by the Village Green in Eastsound at 10 a.m. on April 26, and the Exchange Team will get you set up with bags, gloves, grabbers and safety vests. We will send you out to a stretch of beach or road that needs help. For more info, email The Exchange at info@exchangeorcas.org.
If you prefer to work closer to your own home or are busy on the 26th, contact one of the neighborhood teams listed below. Contact a coordinator before cleaning an area.
West Sound Posse: Work dates: April 18-26.
Area: West side of Orcas, Spring Point to White Beach to Eastsound.
Tool pickup and garbage drop-off: 62 Crows Nest Lane (off of Deer Harbor Road).
Contact: Ginger Moore, ginger@orcasonline.com.
Highland Hikers: Main event, April 22, 11 a.m., at Highlands mailboxes.
Area: Country Corner to west entrance of Moran State Park.
Alternate dates: April 18-25, tool pickup and garbage dropoff.
Contact: David and Geri Turnoy, davidgeri@rockisland.com.
Olga Garbage Gardeners: Main event, April 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Olga Community Center (downtown Olga).
Area: East entrance of Moran Park to Eagle Lake.
Alternate dates: April 18-25, tool pick-up and garbage dropoff.
Contact: Laura Walker and Karen Miksch, oigc376@gmail.com.
Every volunteer is welcome to the after-party at Island Hoppin’ Brewery at 4 p.m. on April 26. The Exchange will buy you a pint of beer/cider and have snacks for all your hard work!
