MORA Litter Pickers

Day 184: There has never been a lot of doubt in my mind, but whatever may have lingered was dispelled today: people are pigs. This intrepid crew of ten litter-pickers collected thirteen bags of garbage, one tire, two dog carcases bagged and dropped on the roadside by the animals' former owners and one live shotgun shell, all from one two-mile stretch of highway which, incidentally, we cleaned up late last September. Litter-picking is NOT a boring job! Five of the team are consistent returnees, joining forces with five new volunteers in a partnership Mount Rainier National Park has maintained with the Washington State Dept. of Transportation for the last four years. I am proud to say that this project was "my baby" from the get-go. I suggested it to my supervisor who told me to run with it. I just wish the careless, heedless people who travel this road would put me on the unemployment line.

Only The Brightest And Best

Day 5: Mount Rainier's volunteers are the brightest and best...well, definitely the brightest! This scruffy lot turned out for today's litter patrol along SR706 despite showery weather, collecting a total of 16 bags of trash from a two-mile stretch of roadway, plus a large pile of sodden carpet padding and a few other bulky objects. It's not a glamorous job, but we like to think that visitors appreciate what they don't see on their way to the Mountain as well as what they do see when they get there. If you missed us this time, look for us again in April. Give a wave or honk as you drive by those folks in the bright orange ANSI-approved safety vests who are working hard to keep the road to Mount Rainier beautiful.

Adopt-a-Highway, Showers Or Not

Day 257: Despite showers and cool temperatures, four stalwart volunteers showed up for Saturday's Adopt-a-Highway litter patrol along SR706 East, a section of highway which encompasses the Park's Tahoma Woods frontage. In partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation, Park volunteers have contracted to make three pickups per year along a two-mile section. The next time you're driving to Mount Rainier, think about these dedicated folks who work rain or shine, and don't toss that latte cup out the window!