Every February volunteers from across the state gathered to pick up trash around Pleasant Valley. More than 100 volunteers showed up last Saturday for the sixth consecutive Owens River Annual Clean Up.

The event organizer, Chris Leonard, teased that it “Seems like the constant pestering on social media paid off.”

Volunteers gathered in the morning at the Pleasant Valley Campground for coffee and pastries. Leonard thanked everyone. Literature was available from JessicaStrickland of Trout Unlimited and Eric Huber of Caltrout for any volunteers that expressed an interest and wanted to know what their nonprofit organizationsmight do for the Eastern Sierra’s fisheries.

Volunteers split up to clean different parts of the river and returned at noon with enough trash to fill a six-foot-tall dumpster about two-thirds full.

Leonard noted that, “It’s too bad this needs to be done, but it’s great to see the community rally together every February to get it done.”

Inyo County Residents participated as well. Some gifts were handed out during a
free raffle which included flyfishing rod and reel, Tenkara rod, fly-fishing tools, gift
certificates, and items of clothing.

The cleanup was a All in all, it was a fantastic success. Next year the event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021.

Anyone interested in making donations for lunch or donations for the raffle, or
just wants more information, can call Leonard at (818) 288-3271.

Sierra Wave thanks everyone who helped, donated and spread the word. Thanks to Chris Leonard for these photos.