Get Ready for the Spring GICU

It’s hard to believe that this is the 11^th year of the Great Islands Cleanup. The GICU started right here on Orcas, in 2014. Since then, community volunteers have picked up 12.45 tons of garbage and recycling from the beaches and roadsides of Orcas Island.

This year’s Spring event will take place on Saturday, April 26^th and there are several ways you can join us.

Stop by the Village Green in Eastsound at 10 AM on the 26^th, and the Exchange Team will get you set up with bags, gloves, grabbers and safety vests. We will send you out to a stretch of beach or road that needs help.

We have also made it easy to volunteer if you’re busy on the 26^th or if you prefer to work closer to your own home. To avoid duplicating efforts, please contact a coordinator before cleaning an area.

West Sound Posse

Work dates: April 18^th-26^th
Area: West side of Orcas, Spring Point to White Beach to Eastsound
Tool pickup/map/and garbage drop-off: 62 Crows Nest Ln. (off of Deer Harbor Rd) Contact/Coordinator: Ginger Moore at ginger@orcasonline.com

Highland Hikers

Main Event, April 22^nd, 11 AM, at Highlands Mailboxes
Area: Country Corner to West entrance of Moran St. Park
Alternate Dates: April 18^th– 25^th Tool pickup/map and garbage drop-off
Contact/Coordinator: David and Geri Turnoy at davidgeri@rockisland.com

Olga Garbage Gardeners

Main Event: April 19^th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Olga Community Center (downtown Olga)
Area: East Entrance of Moran Park to Eagle Lake
Alternate Dates: April 18^th– 25^th Tool pick-up and garbage drop-off
Contact/Coordinator: Laura Walker and Karen Miksch at oigc376@gmail.com

Every volunteer is welcome to the after-party at Island Hoppin’ Brewery at 4pm on the 26th. Join us for the comradery, results, and stories, and a free pint of beer/cider for all your hard work.

If you have any other questions, contact The Exchange at info@exchangeorcas.org, or call 376-4089. And remember to send us your #GICU25 photos or post them to Instagram or Facebook.