Fairmount Ravine cleanup: What volunteers found this time around

fairmounttrash
(Photo courtesy John Lang)

Before the weekend ends – one last event report: Results of the Fairmount Ravine community cleanup. Again this year, we have the wrapup from John Lang, who is handing over the job of coordination from hereon out.

The 24th annual Fairmount Ravine Cleanup was a success on Saturday 3/12. Thank you to the 18 hardworking volunteers of all ages who participated; most of the group removed trash under the Admiral bridge, primarily the west side, and six others removed invasive ivy from the mature trees. The morning started damp but Mother Earth must have been pleased with the community’s effort because the cleanup ended in sunshine.

(WSB photo: Volunteers cleaning under the bridge)
The weather-protected area under the bridge continues to attract the homeless and partyers. It is the Admiral district’s version of the Jungle. They bring third-world sanitation with them as all their garbage is thrown downhill. Between 80-90 large garbage bags were filled with trash! This includes a couple hundred beer bottles, many broken, large furniture, broken bicycles etc. There was enough to fill up the DOC flatbed truck twice. We post signs a week in advance warning that the area will be cleaned and to have personal possessions removed.

(WSB photo: John Lang & Officer Flores)
Once again, we appreciate participation by [Community Police Team] officers Jon Flores and Kevin McDaniel, with the Seattle Police Department, providing security and helping with traffic control. Three cheers to our local merchants, Metropolitan Market and Starbucks, for their generous support of this community effort.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s cleanup a success. A special shout out to Matt Algieri, who is taking over leadership of this annual event. The Fairmount Ravine cleanup is a great example of community pride and putting into action the teamwork necessary to tackle a difficult situation to generate positive results.

Not sure where Fairmount Ravine is? It goes beneath the Admiral Way Bridge, between Admiral and East Alki (here’s a map).

ADDED MONDAY: John just sent word that the total weight of what they picked up was 3,740 pounds … close to two tons.

10 Replies to "Fairmount Ravine cleanup: What volunteers found this time around"

  • Admiral neighbor March 14, 2016 (8:34 am)

    Thank you for your great service!

  • steve March 14, 2016 (9:07 am)

    very much appreciated. Thank you volunteer!

  • Kim March 14, 2016 (9:32 am)

    Thank you to all who participated!!!!

  • Brenda March 14, 2016 (10:18 am)

    I had to work that day! Boo. I’ll be there next year. Thank you to all 18 of you !!

  • Ben March 14, 2016 (10:51 am)

    It’s a shame so much trash is dumped there. Thanks to the volunteers. I wish there was a way to get trash dumpers out of West Seattle/Seattle.

  • CEA March 14, 2016 (11:00 am)

    Incredible. It’s a shame that the space gets degraded, and I’m thankful to volunteers who care enough to clean it up.

  • 2 Much Whine March 14, 2016 (11:39 am)

    Did they find syringes as well?  Many heartfelt thanks to those that participated.

  • Sonya March 14, 2016 (3:50 pm)

    Thank you so much for all your hard work!!!

  • Dc March 14, 2016 (10:13 pm)

    Thank you!!!!

  • Linda M March 31, 2016 (4:55 pm)

    This is a huge effort to coordinate and manage every year, a GREAT BIG thank you to John Lang for all the years of service he have given the community!  It would be a nightmare without him.  KUDOS!!

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