Thorn Point Clean-up

In early September, ForestWatch and Patagonia teamed up and sent a small crew of volunteers to Thorn Point in the Sespe Wilderness. The site of an historic fire and Aircraft Warning Service lookout with impressive 360-degree views of the Los Padres, Thorn Point is also a known condor roosting site adjacent to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary.

The crew collected 67 lbs. of microtrash consisting primarily of broken glass and nails, and then dutifully strapped it to their backs and carried it back down the mountain. The refuse was later disposed of or recycled as appropriate.

Since 2007, ForestWatch has completed more than two dozen cleanup efforts with the help of hundreds of volunteers, who have contributed more than 2,500 hours to help protect condors. To date, the volunteers have removed more than 8,000 pounds of microtrash and other trash from key sites within the condor’s range. For more information about ForestWatch’s volunteer projects or to get involved, visit LPFW.org/volunteer.