Orcas, you are now a TON more beautiful than before! On Saturday, April 18, the Great Islands Cleanup returned to the island, and we collected 2,400 pounds of litter (and 320 pounds of recycling) in three hours!

Thanks so much to the 65 incredible volunteers who worked hard to make it happen this year. Special thanks to Deer Harbor and Olga organizers, Tom Long, Larry and Ellen Coddington, and Bobby King! Big thanks to Orcas Recycling Services, San Juan Sanitation, Elizabeth Anderson at San Juan County Public Works, Nikyta Palmisani at Lopez Solid Waste, Lori Stokes and David Dehlendorf on San Juan Island, the  Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Fire Department, The Odd Fellows, Doe Bay, Island Hoppin’ Brewery, The Island Market, Ray’s Pharmacy, The Bullocks Brothers Homestead and Roses Bakery and Cafe.

And in case you are interested, county-wide, just under 400 volunteers picked up a grand total of  6,172 pounds of litter! That is more than three tons!

Kira Bradshaw

Orcas Island