The Anchorage Rules Committee recognized Midtown resident Steph Figuerelli on July 10 for organizing repeated trash cleanups in and along Campbell Creek and for recruiting volunteer teams. The committee presented Figuerelli with its “above and beyond” award at its regular meeting.

Figuerelli said she began organizing informal cleanups after repeatedly finding garbage while walking her dog. “I started calling BLM, Parks and Rec. I didn't really know who to contact,” she said, and then began volunteering with Parks and Rec and other local groups. Figuerelli told the committee that one large cleanup in May drew 31 volunteers and removed about 1,800 pounds of trash, including wet clothing and shopping carts. “People were so excited and proud, and it brought a lot of people together,” she said.

Committee members said Figuerelli has worked with municipal Parks and Recreation and other agencies and has mobilized neighbors to clear debris from the creek. During her remarks, Figuerelli said a fish-and-game biologist partnered on several cleanups and that some trash had been coming from nearby encampments; she noted crews removed roughly 20 to 22 bags and a couple of shopping carts from a jammed section of the creek during a recent effort.

Figuerelli also said she organizes through a Facebook group called "From Trash to Impact" and encouraged others to join. Committee members suggested local reporters might feature the volunteer work as a community-positive story and thanked Figuerelli for her ongoing efforts.

The award presentation was ceremonial; there were no formal policy actions connected to the recognition.

The committee moved on to other agenda business after the presentation.