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Hot Off the Press - Our 1st Volunteer Newsletter
We’re excited to introduce the very first issue of the Storm Water Quality Volunteer Newsletter — a new way to stay connected, informed, and inspired as we work together to protect Oklahoma City’s water resources.
This newsletter is designed especially for you, our dedicated volunteers, who play a crucial role in helping us keep our streams, lakes, and storm drains clean and healthy. Through community cleanups, outreach events, storm drain marking, and other initiatives, your efforts make a lasting impact on our environment.
Each issue will include important updates from the Storm Water Quality Management Division, upcoming volunteer opportunities, success stories from the field, helpful tips for protecting water quality, and highlights of the amazing work being done by fellow volunteers like you.
Our goals are to celebrate your contributions, keep you informed about local water quality efforts, and provide tools to help you continue making a difference in your neighborhoods and beyond.
To sign up, find out more about volunteer opportunities, or to schedule a volunteer event contact the Outreach team at StormWaterOutreach@okc.gov or (405) 297-1797.
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Look Who is Making a Difference (Hint - it's you)
Litter isn’t just an eyesore. When it enters our storm drains, it flows untreated into rivers, lakes, and streams — polluting wildlife habitats, harming water quality, and costing communities both time and money.
Every trash bag filled and every hour given by our volunteers adds up. Thanks to your continued dedication, our community is seeing measurable results.
Check out our progress!
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TOTAL LITTER COLLECTED (lbs)
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Adopt-A-City-Street Volunteer Program "Tips for Success"
Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join Oklahoma City’s Adopt-A-City-Street Program! Volunteer groups adopt a 1-mile street segment and commit to just four clean-ups per year, or one cleanup every quarter. The City provides all supplies, plus two signs along your adopted street featuring your organization’s name.
📍See what streets are available for adoption: Interactive AACS Map Viewer
📝 Apply now: Application Form
📄 Program Documents: AACS Event Packet
❓Questions? Contact us at StormWaterOutreach@okc.gov.
Help us keep OKC clean and beautiful — Schedule a clean up today!
*** REMINDER ***
Since we are now in August, each volunteer group should have completed at least two to three cleanups so far in 2025. If your group needs to schedule a cleanup, email your permit request form to us at StormWaterOutreach@okc.gov (hint, the form can be found in your Event Packet).
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Volunteer Spotlight - The Avery Family
We couldn't launch our new volunteer newsletter without celebrating the heart and soul behind everything we do - you!
In each issue, we will shine the spotlight on one of our volunteers, and we are starting strong with a family who is all-in when it comes to giving back.
Say hello to the Avery family! This fantastic foursome has become a familiar and friendly sight at our volunteer events. Rain or shine, they show up and prove that volunteering can be a true family affair.
When asked "Why is volunteering important to you?", brother and sister, Eden and Ryker, said:
Ryker: "My Trail Life troop taught me about 'leave no trace behind', meaning not to leave trash behind. So, I like to pick up for the Waterway Clean Sweep. And I love using the trash grabber tool."
Eden: "My American Heritage Girls troop teaches me to serve in my community, so I like to volunteer for the Waterway Clean Sweep to get the Earth looking beautiful again."
Being a volunteer is not about having superpowers. It's about showing up and making your corner of the world a little bit better. The Avery Family does just that, event after event, and reminds us that making a difference can start at any age.
Thank you for setting the bar high Avery family!
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Rolling into Action - Our New (to us) Cargo Trailer
We have exciting news! Our outreach program has a new set of wheels. Well…new to us.
Although this 10-foot cargo trailer came to us with a few miles on its tires, after a deep clean and a bright new wrap, it’s ready to roll in style.
Decked out with fresh graphics celebrating our Waterway Clean Sweep Program, the trailer is now a traveling billboard for our community volunteer programs. We will use it to haul supplies, gear, and other essentials to every cleanup event, which will help us stay organized and allow for a smooth event setup.
We are thrilled to have this new resource to help us grow our efforts and spotlight the valuable impact of our volunteers.
If you catch sight of our trailer out in the community, that means we are in cleanup mode! Stop by and join the fun because your help goes a long way in keeping OKC’s waterways clean.
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2025 Waterway Clean Sweep Event Schedule
 Join us for one of our upcoming Waterway Clean Sweep Volunteer Clean-up events! All ages and abilities are welcome, and supplies are provided.
Saturday, August 16 (Lightning Creek) Saturday, September 13 (Wheeler Park) Saturday, October 4 (TBA) Saturday, November 15 (Kitchen Lake) Saturday, December 13 (TBA)
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Upcoming Public Events & HHW Center Closures
 September 2 - Belle Isle Library Kids Learning Club
September 26 - HHW Collection Center Closed
October 4 - Farmer's Market District Fall Fest
October 6 - OKC Beautiful Earth Academy
October 7 - Innovation Week at Science Museum Oklahoma
October 17 - Parks & Rec Outdoor Adventure Camp
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The Real MVPs - Volunteers in Action
We love seeing our volunteers in action, and so does the rest of the community. Whether you're hauling bags, conquering curbside litter, or just rocking those safety vests, we want to see it. Send us the best snapshots of your group, and you just might be featured in our next issue. Bonus points for big smiles, unique (odd) litter items, and iconic OKC locations!
Help us show off the amazing work happening across our city one photo at a time.
Submit your photos to StormWaterOutreach@okc.gov and keep up the great work!
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July 5 Waterway at Wiley Post Park
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March 2025 Kimray AACS Cleanup
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March 2025 Teachers Appreciation Foundation AACS Cleanup
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March 2025 Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority Iota Chapter AACS Cleanup
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Meet the Storm Water Quality Outreach Team
Together, Jordan and Hollie help bridge policy and public action. Their shared goals? Making sure Oklahoma City’s storm water stays clean, our residents stay engaged, and our volunteers feel empowered every step of the way.
Next time you're at a cleanup, keep an eye out. They will likely be the ones handing out supplies, answering questions, and cheering you on!
Please reach out to us at StormWaterOutreach@okc.gov or (405) 297-1797.
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 JORDAN PEEBLES Environmental Unit Supervisor Watershed Planning & Outreach
Personal Mantra: "Do the next right thing"
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 HOLLIE THORNE Community Relations Coord. Watershed Planning & Outreach
Personal Mantra: "You don't grow in your comfort zone"
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