Led by members of the Ferndale Heritage Society, hard-working volunteers gather quarterly at the Ferndale McDonalds prior to “hitting the ramps.”
The Ferndale Heritage Society coordinates with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) through the Adopt-a-Highway Litter Pickup program to cleanup the 8 ramps at the Main Street and Portal Way interchanges on I-5.
According to group coordinator Dick Mills, the effort usually requires about 3 hours to complete. The group heads to work only after being treated to a hot meal courtesy of the Ferndale McDonalds which has been a much appreciated business sponsor of the effort. Other business sponsors include Ace Hardware on 4th Avenue and True Value Hardware on Main Street.
WSDOT initially provides cleanup teams with signage, safety vests, hard hats, picker tools and trash bags. Over time, only the supply of trash bags is replenished. As the equipment ages or is lost and needs to be replaced, it is up to the team to pay for it. As a result, business and individual sponsors who can help offset the cost for or provide replacement equipment are welcome.
Mills said donations to help purchase replacement equipment can be made via checks payable to the Ferndale Heritage Society (a 501c3 organization) with “Litter Pickup” indicated in the memo line and mailed to Ferndale Heritage Society, Post Office Box 3127, Ferndale WA 98248.
Anyone interested in helping out with future cleanup efforts can contact Mills directly by phone at 805-403-3687. Training and equipment are provided. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. The next pickup is scheduled for April 9th.