CLEAN CHANNELS, HEALTHY OCEAN: OC PUBLIC WORKS UNVEILS NEW, COUNTYWIDE ADOPT A CHANNEL PROGRAM

Disneyland Resort first to adopt a channel

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — September 12, 2013 — Earlier today at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, the County of Orange - OC Public Works, Disneyland Resort and the Wyland Foundation unveiled a new, countywide Adopt A Channel program designed to promote environmental stewardship and keep our waterways clean.

OC Public Works operates and maintains more than 350 miles of regional flood control channels in Orange County. These channels provide a vital service, protecting life and property by conveying stormwater runoff to prevent flooding of nearby communities. Unfortunately, along with collecting stormwater runoff, these channels also collect trash and debris, and attract graffiti.

“Members of the public have increasingly expressed interest in coordinating cleanup events in watershed areas important to them,” said Supervisor John Moorlach, Orange County Board of Supervisors, Second District. “The Adopt A Channel Program both recognizes these cleanup efforts and provides an avenue for residents, organizations and businesses to formally take ownership of their water resources.”

Disneyland Resort piloted the initiative, which is similar to CalTrans’ Adopt-A-Highway program, by adopting a two-mile section of the Anaheim-Barber City Channel in Anaheim. The Resort provided a $50,000 grant to nonprofit Orange County Conservation Corps, which serves at-risk young adults through employment, training and educational programs. The grant provides resources for keeping the channel clean of graffiti, and debris that would otherwise flow to the ocean. Nearly 600 pounds of trash and 12,000 square feet of graffiti were removed during the successful, year-long pilot program. 

            “At Disneyland Resort, our focus on the environment dates back to our founder, Walt Disney,” said Michael Colglazier, president of Disneyland Resort. “It is with great pride that we continue his legacy by helping to create the Adopt A Channel program that champions the protection of natural resources and inspires others to take an active role in preserving our waterways.”

Wyland, renowned marine life artist and founder and president of the Wyland Foundation, created the iconography for the program and plans to adopt a channel through Wyland Galleries.

“The Wyland Foundation has been dedicated to the protection and preservation of our oceans, waterways and marine life for 20 years,” said Wyland. “To truly make a difference to the health of our planet we must protect all forms of waterways and I am proud to know that here in Orange County we are working together to take the lead toward that very goal.”

 

Clips from the event provided by Disney:

 

 

For more information visit, http://ocwatersheds.com/programs/waterways/adopt_a_channel