by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
It is not quite the surface of Arrakis, that planet heavily featured in Frank Herbert’s Dune science-fiction book/movie series, but the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area does offer quite a sandy landscape.
In fact, that Dune series is said to be (at least) partially inspired by Herbert’s research and fascination with the area.
The dunes themselves are a unique spot, and are North America’s largest expanse of coastal dunes as well as one of the largest in the world.
Over 10,000 years old and nearly 40 miles long, this area also incorporates a beach just west of Florence, Oregon, offering off-road trails, public lands, hiking, and plenty of sightseeing.
Of course, like many popular places with public access, trash and other refuse can quickly get out of hand — no matter how much effort is devoted to handling the issue.
So 102 volunteers from Salem Jeepers, Strawberry Hill Four Wheel Drive, Willamette Valley Wheelers and Solve Oregon recently ventured out to Florence Dunes Beach for a cleanup event.
In all, these volunteers removed 1,200 pounds of trash and helped prevent harm to native habitats and marine wildlife.
“Thank you to the amazing volunteers who showed up to leave the beach better than they found it. This was an incredible turnout! Thank you also to the Quadratec 50 for 50 program for funding this amazing cleanup and helping to continue to Protect the Adventure,” said Tread Lightly!’s Danielle McNiven.
This Florence Dunes Beach Cleanup project was the 33rd of 50 trail and public land restoration events Quadratec will help sponsor in each state through the end of April 2024.
So far through its supported projects, the 50-for-50 Stewardship Grant has accumulated 6,777.50 volunteer hours with a total value of $204,313, pulled away 118,245 pounds of trash and improved 827 miles of trail.
Quadratec’s ’50-for-50’ stewardship grant fund helps project managers pay for equipment, fees, volunteer support, food, fuel, signage and other miscellaneous costs.
Quadratec has been a supporting partner of Tread Lightly! for more than 20 years, and a longtime fundraiser for Tread Lightly!’s stewardship programs. The company has also promoted Tread Lightly! and other trail restoration efforts through its Quadratec Cares ‘Energize the Environment’ program.
Clubs and individuals are required to be active, supporting members of Tread Lightly! to be eligible to apply for ’50-for-50’ grant funding. To learn more about the Quadratec ’50-for-50 program, visit Quadratec's 50 for 50 Trails Stewardship Grant Initiative.
Recommended Reading:
Quadratec, Tread Lightly! ’50-For-50’ Public Land Cleanup — Maggie Valley, North Carolina
