Community welcome to participate in upcoming cleanup events planned by DoERS

The Norman Division of Environmental Resilience and Sustainability (DoERS) will partner with high school students and community agencies for a series of cleanup events this month, beginning October 20, 2024. All helping hands are welcome.

"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," said Michelle Chao, a program specialist at DoERS. "Every piece of trash that is picked up and properly disposed of means one less piece of trash to mar the beauty of our neighborhoods, parks and natural resources."

Details on events can be found below and interested participants can sign up to participate at https://www.normanok.gov/events.

Ruby Grant Cleanup Event

OCTOBER 20, 2024 | 1 - 3 PM | Ruby Grant Park, 3110 W. Franklin Road

Cleanup event in partnership with student councils of Norman High School and Norman North High School.

Colonial Commons Cleanup Event & Garden Planting

OCTOBER 26, 2024 | 9 AM - 12 PM | Colonial Commons, 1919 Beaumont Drive

Cleanup and pollinator garden event that will also bring awareness to water quality issues in the area, coordinated in partnership with OU Little Event, Red Dirt Collective and Sierra Club Red Earth.

Thunderbird Cleanup Event & Workshop

OCTOBER 27, 2024 | 1 - 4 PM | Lake Thunderbird Boathouse, 1312 Indian Point Road

Cleanup event and educational opportunity about how to keep Norman's watershed clean.

Event supplies will be provided by the City of Norman at no cost. Water and snacks will also be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long pants, boots or close-toed shoes, sunscreen, safety glasses or sunglasses. Email [email protected]for more information.

ABOUT THE DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY: Formed in Spring 2023, DoERS has direct management of the Industrial Pretreatment Program (including the Fats, Oils, and Grease Program), the Household Hazardous Waste Facility and accompanying Program, the Stormwater Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and Total Maximum Daily Load Monitoring and Compliance Programs (which include stormwater quality functions for construction and industrial facility sites), and the Cross Connection Control Program. The new division also manages the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, researching and transitioning to sustainable energy sources, increasing pollinator habitat, and encouraging implementation of low impact development.

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