Simpson University Outdoor Leadership Students Clean Up Marine Debris

For Immediate Release

06.13.2014

REDDING, Calif. - During a 14-day backpacking excursion along Northern California’s Lost Coast, Simpson University outdoor leadership students dedicated a day to cleaning state park trails and campsites.

For the third year in a row, students partnered with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to clear marine debris off the northern coast. More than 250 pounds of stinging nettle, overgrown blackberry briar, and debris was collected and carried to a central point for removal, according to a writeup on a BLM social media site.

“We’ve been building quality relationships with these agencies, and Simpson’s outdoor leadership program now has an excellent reputation for its high environmental ethic and deep appreciation for the land,” said Dr. Paul Stonehouse, associate professor of outdoor leadership.

Stonehouse took 11 students on the trip: Karissa Scheuermann, Alyssa Muro, Aixa Correa, Rhoda Boetteher, Ryan Maclean, Daniel Davenport, Shane Wachlin, Rich Bailey, Matthew Tsarnas, Kirsten Raridon, and Tony Moore. The group backpacked from the Mattole River to where Usal Road meets Highway 1, returning on May 13.

BLM blogger Justin Robbins wrote, "A very special thanks to Simpson University and the students of the Outdoor Leadership Program - each piece of marine debris removed from our beaches keeps our lands and ocean clean and healthy!”

For more information on Simpson University’s outdoor leadership program, visit simpsonu.edu/outdoorleadership.

Press release by Kelly Raper ‘14

Photo courtesy of Paul Stonehouse

Clockwise from left, Ryan Maclean, Tony Moore, and Daniel Davenport clear debris from the coast.

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Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. Simpson’s newest programs include bachelor's degrees in Spanish and nursing, and master’s degrees in counseling psychology and organizational leadership. Learn about our new Science & Nursing Building at simpsonu.edu/snbuilding. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
530-226-4737