Dozens of CWU students clean up Yakima Canyon campsites on Earth Day

For more than 45 years, students from Central Washington University have celebrated Earth Day by lending a helping hand.

This year, more than 60 Wildcats volunteered their precious time on April 22 to help the Wenatchee Field Office at two popular recreation sites in the Yakima River Canyon.

The beautiful spring day was the perfect way to introduce the students to their public lands. Working alongside Wenatchee Field Office staff, they also learned more about local recreation opportunities.

At Big Pines Campground, 46 CWU students rolled up their sleeves to install new site markers, move rock to repair flood damage, remove noxious weeds, paint picnic tables and kiosks, and clean up micro trash.

Fifteen more students worked at the Ringer Road Day Use Area, brushing trails, installing signs, painting, and picking up litter in the area.

Assistant Field Manager Jon Meier spent the day working with the students at Big Pines, located about 15 miles south of Ellensburg on State Route 821.

"It was great to have so many students come spend time on their public lands and accomplish great work," Meier said. "It really helps us out, and it improve the recreation experience for visitors."

The hard work and contributions of the students during the Earth Day event not only resulted in a positive difference on the landscape. These student-volunteers have also helped create an even better recreation experience for visitors to BLM recreation sites in the Yakima River Canyon this season.