Sebastappeal - The Earth Pledge - by Sarah Glade Gurney - September 2018
The Earth Pledge
By Lilith Rogers
I pledge allegiance to the Earth
on which I live
and to all Her Creatures
Large and Small
and to Her Water, Air, and Soil
One World, One People
Undivided
with Food, Shelter, Health
Peace and Freedom
Love and Justice
for All.
Take this Pledge and Help Out.
California Coastal Clean-Up Day in Sonoma County September 15
On September 15 from 9AM to noon, Coastwalk will run clean-up events at 18 local coastal locations, one of the largest debris collection and removal efforts in Sonoma County and California. Coastwalk is a statewide non-profit headquartered on S. Main Street.
The idea for the event originated with Oregon resident, Judy Neilson, in 1984, and was replicated in California the next year. In 1986, the Ocean Conservancy took it international. Now International Coastal Clean-Up Day is the largest volunteer event on the planet.
“People are given the opportunity to be part of the solution to reduce marine debris impacts,” says Cea Higgins, Executive Director of Coastwalk. “We gather vital data on the types of debris collected” and the data informs policy makers drafting legislation to protect the ocean, water quality, and watershed health.
Cea continues, “It’s about more than picking up trash. It’s a chance to join people around the world to express respect for our oceans and waterways…[and] to demonstrate a desire for clean water and heathy marine life.”
Volunteers should register at coastwalk.org/ where they can choose a local beach or connect to an inland partner.
The Great Laguna Clean-Up at Sebastopol’s Americorps Trailhead September 15
One of Coastwalk’s inland partners is the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, whose Staff and Guides will lead a trash pick-up effort in Sebastopol’s Laguna Preserve, the critical wildlife habitat adjacent to downtown, from 9AM to noon on September 15.
The Laguna is a coastal stream, meaning it eventually flows to the Pacific. As the single largest tributary to the Russian River, the Laguna is filled with water draining a watershed encompassing 254 square miles, an area where most of the people in Sonoma County live and work. Water flowing past Sebastopol’s Wetlands Preserve comes from Cotati, Rohnert Park, and southwest Santa Rosa.
“We’ll be picking up all forms of litter and sorting for recycling or disposal. It’s really easy to do and rewarding to see the results of the efforts—the amount of trash that will not go downstream into the Russian River and Ocean,” according to Brent Reed of the Laguna Foundation. “Last year’s clean-up removed over 100 tires and 5 yards of mixed trash and recyclable material from the Americorps Trail area alone.”
Volunteers will meet at the Americorps trailhead, across from 200 Morris Street, between Laguna Parkway and McKinley Street. Workers will sweep along the west side of the Laguna, between the ponds and Hwy 12, possibly further south to Tomodachi Park and the Railroad Forest.
Contact: Brent@lagunafoundation.org or 707.527.9277 ext. 101. Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Bring work gloves and a bucket. “An abundant and hearty supply” of snacks will be provided.
Sebastopol’s Living Peace Wall Induction September 15
The Fourth Annual Induction Ceremony takes place on this same Saturday morning from 11AM to noon on The Plaza.
Four peace makers who have worked nonviolently for peace and justice will be honored and their names inscribed on the granite wall:Daniel Elsberg, best known for the release of the Pentagon Papers during the Viet Nam War;Dolores Huerta, co-founder with Cesar Chavez of the United Farm Workers;Tui Wilschinsky, leader of Dances of Universal Peace; and Therese Mugnannam, a tireless worker for peace in the middle east. Visit sebastopollivingpeacewall.com and view the 8-minute documentary film.
Study Session on Zero Waste September 18
Sunny Galbraith has organized a panel of local experts to present the topic of Zero Waste to the Sebastopol City Council, starting early at 5 PM on the regular meeting night of September 18. The public is invited and local businesses are especially encouraged to attend. Come learn what we can do to change our practices and reduce our burden on the landfill.
