Oak Creek is a favorite of many living in Sedona, as well as the city’s many visitors. The beautiful creek is one of Arizona’s last free-flowing streams and contains important riparian habitats. Unfortunately, the many visitors have inadvertently destroyed much of the habitat. People straying off the paths cause erosion, and there is lots of trash and litter left behind. Oak Creek Watershed Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the creek back to its rightful beauty. The council hosts clean-up events throughout the year. Sedona property owners who feel strongly about preserving the area’s natural habitat should consider volunteering.
Volunteer to Preserve This Gorgeous Natural Sedona Property
In anticipation of the Memorial Day and July 4th holidays, Oak Creek Watershed Council has teamed up with Coconino National Forest, the National Forest Foundation, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to host the annual Pickin’ Up in the Pines event. Get your family and friends together to volunteer for this important event. There are two dates--May 26th and June 30th, both Wednesdays. Volunteers will work together to pick up trash in campsites along highway 89A outside of Flagstaff. This is the location of the headwaters of Oak Creek, and keeping the area clean is a great way to protect Sedona’s watershed.
Registration is required for the event. In order to comply with CDC COVID-19 regulations, the group is limited to 30 volunteers. You’ll need to bring a face covering to wear when interacting with people outside your household. Wear close-toed shoes and long pants. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of snacks and water. Pickers, gloves, bags, and buckets will be provided.
Even if you can’t make these events, there are other ways for people living in Sedona to be involved in the preservation of Oak Creek. For instance, Oak Creek Stewards are people who volunteer to do trash pick up and record data about the number of visitors, illegal parking, and the creation of “social trails” for local land managers.
Visit Oak Creek Watershed Council online to learn more about how to help and to register for the Pickin’ Up in the Pines event. Keep up with the latest by following their Facebook page.
