The Mystery Riverkeeper at McCarran Ranch Preserve
A mystery riverkeeper at our McCarran Ranch Preserve gave us a hand—and inspiration! A story told by TNC land steward, Lori Leonard.
by Lori Leonard
Has anybody been in need of a little proof humanity is not going to heck?
I certainly have been. Fortunately, I nearly tripped over it last week, while scouting for thistles at the McCarran Ranch Preserve.
The last time I'd walked this densely-vegetated area was after record-breaking flood water had receded, where an overwhelming number of plastic bottles, flip flops, and many other treasures had been newly deposited amongst the flood debris.
While the trees and soil responded beautifully to the high-water levels, this garbage deposition was a common sight along several sections of the lower Truckee River.
I was thinking about my Spring Plastic Bottle Blues when I realized, “this area looks...really good.” And then I saw it...
...A beautifully sorted and organized collection of garbage, in the middle of the woods, away from the trails, and away from any roads. The Anonymous Riverkeeper displayed an artistic row of clear glass liquor bottles, followed by an orderly row of brown glass bottles.
Then there were balls. Volleyballs, tennis balls, baseballs, red balls, plastic balls…you get the idea.
If you've lost a flip flop in the river, it may have been found.
While there was an impressive variety of goods, the towering pile of plastic bottles was the big winner.
Wanting to capture this masterpiece with our fancy work camera, I left everything as I’d found it.
When I returned the next week with fancy camera in hand, the ENTIRE collection (and by entire, I mean a HEAPING truck load of materials) had been moved next to our access road for easy pick up, with a few messages left by the Anonymous Riverkeeper. Signs read: "Lose your toys at the McCarran Ranch," "Find your balls by the Mustang Ranch," and "Lose your shoes in the Truckee River."
This random act of goodwill brings tears to my eyes almost every time I think about it, but it also has expanded to other acts of goodwill.
Three fabulous volunteers from Patagonia helped me load up all the collectables.
Then, as I ran up to the Waste Management truck driver to explain we didn’t expect him to take the garbage outside the bin, he said, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it for you!”
So, I just had to share, people ARE good. Pass it on!
