Volunteers, including recruited Lost Coast Trail hikers, stand in front of removed invasive ivy and trash.
MENDOCINO CO., 4/27/17 — The following is a report submitted by the volunteers participating in this year’s second annual Earth Day clean-up at Usal Beach. The event was funded in part by a grant from the California State Parks Foundation to the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association for the second year in a row, and supported by many other sponsors. Volunteers helped collect trash and remove invasive species such as English Ivy from the area. If you’re interested in participating in upcoming events, get in touch at the contact information listed below.
Weather and road closures couldn’t keep Usal Beach enthusiasts away this Saturday, April 22 for Earth Day restoration and clean up! Despite road closures on Highway 101 and Highway 1 at Leggett, intrepid volunteers navigated the many obstacles to make it to Usal Beach Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Usal Beach is the southern trailhead of the 63 mile Lost Coast Trail. Energetic volunteers were happy to find Saturday morning that the road to Usal was still passable after prior rains. Fourteen volunteers, whom either traveled out for the event or were recruited on site, removed seven cubic yards of invasive English Ivy from trees. In addition, they collected and removed bags of trash and recycling, and cleaned campsites and fire rings to get ready for a summer full of events and campers.
The event was made possible by an Earth Day grant from California State Parks Foundation obtained by the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association (HRIA) for the second year in a row. Regional sponsors included PG&E, The Nature Conservancy, Oracle, Microsoft, and Intel. Lunch was generously provided by Pacific Seafood in Eureka, Safeway of Fortuna, Shop Smart of Redway, and Rays Food Place of Garberville.
California State Park Foundation funded many successful Earth Day restoration and clean up days across the state, making this the 19th annual event. With the help of many individuals as well as organizations such as Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks, HRIA has obtained $62,662.04 in grants to use towards Usal Beach at Sinkyone Wilderness State Park this year. This Earth Day event was an exciting launch for the field trips, volunteer clean up days, interpretive programs, and community fun to be had this summer at Usal. Please stay tuned for upcoming events and become part of Usal’s volunteer task force as we work with locals, communities, schools, and organizations to revitalize the beautiful Usal Beach. Follow HRIA on Facebook to find out about events, or call 707-946-2263. Thanks to all of those who made the event possible, especially the volunteers.
