July 2023 Edition

The High Desert Droplet is a collection of tips to help you

prevent stormwater pollution in your community.

Getting Up and Getting Out

A list of activities and events in your local

community that work to keep the High Desert clean

With summer in full swing, here's how you can get involved to help keep the Mojave River Watershed clean from hazardous waste. These events are an easy and interactive way to get out and participate in recycling opportunities near you!

City of Victorville:

Free Dump Day and Recycling Event (7/22): Residents can dispose of trash and help keep waste out of the Mojave Watershed. For more information, click here.
Shred-Fest, Compost Giveaway & Recycling Event (8/5): If you're looking for compost, recycling resources, and somewhere to shred unwanted documents, look no further! For information on how to attend this event, visit the link here.

Town of Apple Valley:

Neighborhood Clean-Up (7/15): Join your neighbors in discarding unwanted household trash and keep the streets clean. For more information about this event, click here.
Shred-Fast (8/05): Residents can shred 20-pound boxes of paper documents for free. For more information, click here.
Tire Amnesty Day (8/12): Turn in your old tires free of charge at this event. For information on how to attend, click here.

City of Hesperia:

Tire Amnesty Day (8/5): Hesperia is also hosting their own tire turn-in event free of charge. This is a great way to responsibly dispose of old tires. For more information, click here.

Welcome to The Creation Station

Check out these recycling friendly

DIY's for you and your kids to create this summer

Upcycle trash into treasure while teaching kids about the importance of recycling! Create these colorful yard ornaments with used, clean water bottles. Not only are these water bottle ornaments an exciting activity, but they help preserve the Mojave River by recycling and reusing harmful plastics.

Water Bottle Wind Spirals

All you need for this activity are:

Scissors
Empty water bottles
Sharpies

Follow this step-by-step guide on how to create these wind spirals!

Recycled Plastic Bottle Wind Spinner

The supplies you need:

One-liter plastic bottle
Colored Duct tape or electrical tape
Box cutter or craft knife
Scissors
Snap swivel
Coated paper clip
Fishing line

You can view the video tutorial and instructions here.

Form Healthy Habits This Barbecue Season

Here are three ways you can help keep the

Mojave Watershed clean this summer

What better way to spend time together outdoors than barbecuing? Grilling is the perfect gathering to hang out and eat delicious food together. To help plan for a barbecue that is environmentally friendly, keep in mind these three simple BBQ tips everyone should know to be stormwater savvy.

1) Don't Be a Litterbug

At your next barbecue don't leave any trash behind! Litter can cause bacterial growth which can get into our watershed and damage quality of water for residents or animals. An easy way to ensure there's no garbage left behind is by providing a bin for trash and a bin for recyclables.

2) Pick Up After Your Pet

Carry your doggie bags with you and pick up after your pup! Animal waste can not only cause diseases, but it is one of the biggest polluters in the High Desert.

3) Reduce and Reuse

Instead of using paper or plastic, use reusable or biodegradable tableware made from recycled materials. Plastic and paper are easily blown into streets, polluting our local watershed.

Take the Pledge

Join local businesses in protecting our watershed

Several local businesses are committed to protecting our water by preventing storm water pollution. Together with the Mojave River Watershed Group, they are creating awareness around storm water pollution and educating customers and team members on how their business can participate in protecting the High Desert’s water. Join us and take the pledg e to prevent storm water pollution today!