The start of a new season is a time for change, growth, and embracing new challenges—and this Spring, that includes a bittersweet transition for PCS. After many years of dedicated service, we are sad to say farewell (but hopefully more of a “See you later!”) to our Program Specialist, Kayla Kirkpatrick.
We’d like to take a moment to celebrate Kayla’s incredible contributions over the past seven years. Below, she shares her thoughts on her time with PCS:
I want to first take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to have worked alongside many of you over the last few years! My time at Partners for Clean Streams has been incredibly rewarding. Whether you joined me to remove hundreds of feet of fishing line during a Get the Lead Out event or rolled a full set of tires onto a canoe during a partner paddle, you have made this “job” impossible to forget.
A little background- I volunteered as a Site Captain at the Monroe St. UMC Kickoff during the 2018, 2019, and 2021 Clean Your Streams Day events. Thank you so much Marilyn, for inviting us to take part every year! Jermain Meadow and Monroe St. UMC will always hold a special place in my heart! During college, I joined PCS as a Program Intern, thanks to the support of the Perrysburg Country Garden Club! I assisted then Program Coordinator, Liv Simkins Bullock on prepping and attending programs and outreach events until the end of Clean Your Streams 26. One of my favorite programs that summer was leading a clean-up at Sterling Park in Toledo. This group removed over 4,000 pounds of debris that day (that’s over half the amount we remove on average, year-round!!) The results picture is still one of my favorites taken, to this day!
Kayla and group at Sterling Park clean-up 2022.
It’s been so rewarding to see the impact our programs have had on every participant that attends, as well as the community in which we are serving. Since returning to PCS as the Program Coordinator, I have had the wonderful opportunity to coordinate 96+ clean-ups both Staff-Led and Clean-On-Your-Own. I have seen over 960+ volunteers remove 10,000+ pounds of marine debris specifically during our CYS 365 program. You all are awesome! I also got to host 7 Get the Lead Out programs, 8 Storm Drain Markings (alongside amazing partners such as Lucas County Storm Water Utility, City of Toledo Environmental Services, City of Perrysburg Stormwater and City of Bowling Green)! It was an absolute honor to coordinate the 28th Annual Clean Your Streams alongside an amazing Clean Your Streams Planning Committee.
It has been an honor to work alongside all of the amazing staff and board at PCS. I could not have done any of this without each and every one of you. Personal shoutouts to Kris Patterson, Liv Simkins Bullock, Kat Kieffer, Will Smith, Mary Winkle, Jesse Stock, and Antonia Beltz for being amazing coworkers during my time here!
– Kayla Kirkpatrick
Kayla’s impact on our programs has been truly invaluable, and though no one can fully replace her, we are excited for her as she embarks on new adventures! We hope to still see her at some of our upcoming clean-ups as a volunteer and stay connected to the water world she’s so passionate about.
Thank you, Kayla, for your tireless efforts toward cleaner, clearer, and safer water in our community. We’ll “sea” you around the bend!💧🫶
