December Member Spotlight: Michal Kawka

Gorge resident, Michal Kawka joined our Adopt-a-River team just this year, but he didn’t waste any time diving right in (so to speak).

Michal Kawka

As an Adopt-a-River volunteer, Michal conducts quarterly habitat assessments and collects litter from his adopted stretch of river on the Lower Klickitat. Last month, towards the end of what was a busy and popular fishing season, he noticed an increase in the litter and garbage along the river.  Taking matters into his own hands, Michal organized a river clean up and reached out to fisherman volunteers.  They targeted the most popular fishing sites on the Klickitat and collected 12 bags of garbage estimated at over 350 pounds!

“I feel compelled to do whatever I can to help preserve the natural environment and invite others to come along,” says Michal.

When he’s not on the river, Michal is a volunteer for the American Field Service Intercultural Program and The Dalles Sister Cities Association to promote youth exchanges and study abroad programs.  He’s also an academic advisor.

Thanks for all your effort and commitment to the river, Michal.  It’s a better place thanks to people like you.  For Michal’s pictures from the river clean up, click here.