TRASH & BASH
SAEMS provides opportunities to help improve the quality of the environment directly by participating in community cleanups. SAEMS has hosted and teamed with other organizations, such as Tucson Clean & Beautiful, in cleanups of wildcat dumpsites in the Tucson area. For almost two decades, SAEMS volunteers met quarterly to pick up trash along a one mile stretch of highway east of the Sonoita exit. We also formerly sponsored a regular trail cleanup in the Tucson mountains.
We are currently evaluating new opportunities to continue this SAEMS tradition. We encourage anyone interested to provide suggestions and to come out and help keep Tucson beautiful!
SAEMS Community Cleanup Info
Meeting Location: The cleanup event locations will be provided in advance and we will ask for volunteers.
Time: Cleanups typically start at 8:00 a.m. sharp, include a safety meeting, and usually last no more than 4 hours.
Restrictions: Volunteers must be 12 years of age or older and if under 18, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What to Wear: Wear long pants, long sleeves, closed toe shoes, hat and sunscreen.
SAEMS Provides: SAEMS will provide safety vests, leather gloves, litter grabbers and collection bags. Also bottled water and snacks will be available.
Lunch: SAEMS typically hosts an appreciation lunch after the cleanup. A prize will be given for the most interesting treasure found.
RSVP: Coordinator of events is Derek Sizemore at derek.sizemore@terracon.com.
SAFETY: The safety of SAEMS volunteers is of utmost importance. A short safety briefing will be conducted the morning of the cleanup.
ADOT News
ADOT News Article Quotes SAEMS Volunteer Barb Ricca
See the ADOT Press Release by clicking here: ADOT Press Release – Adopt a Highway Program
ADOT Recognizes SAEMS Adopt a Highway Volunteers
June 2013: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recently recognized the SAEMS Adopt a Highway volunteer group for cleaning up litter for more than a decade and for logging hundreds of hours picking up more than three tons of trash. See the ADOT press release below.
Past Cleanups
SAEMS Volunteers at State Land Wildcat Dump Cleanup Event
April 2015 Highway Cleanup Report
February 2015 Highway Cleanup Report
November 2014 Highway Cleanup Report
The SAEMS faithful volunteers completed our trash pickup along I-10 on November 8, 2014, collecting 19 bags of trash and 2 tires on a beautiful but windy day. In honor of Veteran’s Day, Ken Asch saved an American flag from the elements, while the team found several metal objects, a set of rubber O-rings, and a couple of toys. The winning item was the parking sign from O’Malley’s, found by Dan Williams. Everyone enjoyed a hearty meal at the Vail Steakhouse afterwards.
Why not consider joining us on one Saturday in 2015 as an easy New Year’s resolution to complete – new faces are very welcome! Join us at the next pickup on the morning of February 14, 2014…will we find hearts? Please contact the event coordinator, Dan Williams, at Dan_Williams@kindermorgan.com if you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions.
September 2014 Highway Cleanup Report
The SAEMS team battled strong wind gusts while collecting trash on September 13, 2014 along our stretch of I-10, just past the Sonoita exit. It was a true team effort and 21 bags of trash along with numerous car parts were collected. The winning “treasures” found included a glass prism that may possess magical powers (Olivia), and enough parts to assemble a partial demolition derby car (Barb and Mike). We all enjoyed a brunch at Vail Steak House as a reward for our efforts. Thanks to Barb Ricca, Ken Asch, Heather Shoemaker and daughter Olivia, Mike Block, Pat Harrington, and Dan Williams. Our next “trash-social” is scheduled for November 8, 2014 and we would really like to see a couple new faces join the fun! Please contact the event coordinator, Dan Williams, at Dan_Williams@kindermorgan.com if you would like to volunteer or if you have questions.
