Norman residents have a new opportunity to roll up their sleeves and improve their community environment this October. In a collaboration with local high school students and community agencies, the Division of Environmental Resilience and Sustainability (DoERS) of Norman is spearheading a series of cleanup events. The cleanups start on October 20, 2024, and volunteers are encouraged to come forward and join the effort.
Program specialist at DoERS, Michelle Chao, highlighted the educational aspect of the initiative, as seen in an article published by the City of Norman, "We are so thrilled to partner with so many students for these events – it really gives students the opportunity to see the difference they can make, both individually and as a group." Chao emphasizes the tangible benefits of the events: each piece of litter removed helps to restore the intrinsic beauty of the community's natural spaces.
Three key events are on the docket for interested parties who can find further details and sign-up options on the city's website. The inaugural event at Ruby Grant Park partners with student councils from Norman High School and Norman North High School on October 20, 2024, from 1 to 3 PM. The cleanup journey continues with a special event at Colonial Commons on October 26, 2024, which includes a garden planting segment to raise awareness on water quality issues, in alliance with OU Little Event, Red Dirt Collective, and Sierra Club Red Earth. Wrapping up the month's activities is a cleanup at Lake Thunderbird Boathouse on October 27, 2024, attached with an educational workshop on preserving the city's watershed.
All events are equipped with the necessary gear provided by the City of Norman, including water and snacks at no cost to volunteers. The recommendation for those joining is to don long pants, boots, or close-toed shoes, along with personal protective measures like sunscreen and safety glasses. Those seeking more information can directly reach out to the city's environmental division via email at [email protected].
DoERS was established in Spring 2023 and manages a range of environmental programs in Norman. The division's mandate extends across pretreatment, waste, stormwater, and compliance initiatives with a focus on sustainability efforts such as greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy transition, pollinator habitat growth, and eco-friendly development practices. Active participation in these cleanup events reflects the division's broader commitment to fostering an environmentally resilient and sustainable community.
