OAKHURST, CA — The inaugural Oakhurst Facelift (sponsored by the Yosemite Climbing Association and Visit Yosemite | Madera County) rallied the community on October 5th for a successful cleanup effort. More than 56 dedicated volunteers took action, working to restore the Oakhurst River Parkway Trail and Lewis Creek Trail after a busy summer season.
A Community United for Environmental Cleanup
Cleaning up almost a ton of trash, volunteers demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving local trails and natural spaces.
To begin, in just over five hours, participants removed more than 1,800 pounds of trash and debris. Including, 13 abandoned shopping carts pulled from the river. Ultimately, the effort targeted these popular trails to ensure cleaner natural spaces for residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, volunteers came from all walks of life. The group included members of the Yosemite High School Eco Club, families, and retired residents. Additionally, local organizations like the Sierra Sunrise Rotary, Oakhurst River Parkway Trail Organization, and Yosemite Sequoia Resource Council pitched in. Consequently, their involvement showcased the community’s collaborative spirit and hands-on approach.
Local Help & Business Support
In addition, Brooke Smith highlighted the determination of one father-daughter team. They removed all the shopping carts from the creek without any heavy equipment.
“When a father and his daughter arrived with the express intention of pulling every single shopping cart out of the creek, and they succeeded without any heavy equipment, it was truly inspiring,” said Brooke Smith. “They told me they were tired of seeing the trash and saw this as their opportunity to get involved and make a real difference. Witnessing the overwhelming support from our community members and see how many people cared enough to help clean up really brought tears to my eyes.”
Brooke Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing for Visit Yosemite | Madera County
Smith goes on to say, “It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”
Moreover, many local businesses played an active role in supporting the event, including:
Celebrating a Successful Day of Service
Finally, after the cleanup, the event wrapped up with a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses and the Yosemite Climbing Association. An afterparty at South Gate Brewing Company followed.
Ashley Nebeker from the Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council praised the event.
“The Oakhurst Facelift event is the type of grass-roots community-member-based event that WORKS. People showed up with enthusiasm and finished inspired,” said Nebeker. “The event hosts, community members, and sponsors hit a home run. I know that the next event will be just as fun, impactful, and fabulous as this one, if not more so.”
All in all, the facelift’s success underscored the community’s commitment to preserving Oakhurst’s natural beauty. Furthermore, demonstrating what can be accomplished through collective action.
