Education and Outreach efforts are included as a component of most of the Rincon Environmental Department’s programs. Education and outreach efforts can include the production and distribution of brochure and informational pamphlets, the organization of community events and presentations, or the development of website content or multimedia materials such as film clips

The Department hosts and participates in annual community events such as Clean Up Day and Earth Day, and prepares community informational leaflets and brochures on various environmental to pics.

Education and outreach efforts often help improve the effectiveness of and community participation in environmental programs. For instance, elevating awareness of programs such as Rincon C.A.R.E.S within the community is essential prior to the implementation of this annual program. It is important that the community is made aware that the program ‘s primary intent is to maintain the health and safety of the community by enhancing clean up efforts and educating tribal members on the importance of protecting the environment.

The Rincon Environmental Department has prepared an Outreach Plan for the department that acts as a planning document for outreach efforts.

The purpose of the Outreach Plan is to develop community engagement strategies that provide structure and focus for the strategic planning and management of the Rincon Environmental Department’s outreach efforts. This Plan is intended to provide overall direction to guide the selection of project outreach efforts and decision-making, which is accomplished by evaluating issues, opportunities, needs and goals and establishing major objectives to be met within specific timeframes, and providing a means to track and measure progress and performance. This planning effort also assists Department personnel in understanding how outreach plans for specific projects fit within the context of the greater long term goals of the Department and helps guide the allocation of limited resources (both financial and human).

Intertribal Earth Day -April 6^th, 2024- La Jolla Campground

Intertribal Earth Day promotes environmental and cultural stewardship. Hosted by 7 local tribes – La Jolla, San Pasqual, Rincon, Pala, Pauma, Los Coyotes, Pechanga, and Santa Ynez, this year’s theme “Be a Good Ancestor” emphasized cultural and environmental responsibility. The event featured a zero-waste approach, with waste sorting conducted by event staff.

The Rincon Environmental Department’s booth at the event offered giveaways, recycling information, energy-saving tips, and a demonstration of the comparative length of time that various materials take to decompose in landfills. Attendees participated in interactive games like the 3-bin waste sorting challenge and environmental trivia Spin the Wheel, winning prizes while learning about various environmental topics that promoted environmental stewardship. The Environmental Department’s table had over 227 people who come by that participated in games and activities and received printed information emphasizing the importance of responsible environmental practices. Throughout the day families, students, and community members of all ages participated eagerly, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The event as a whole was filled with vibrant cultural demonstrations that celebrated the rich heritage of the participating tribes. Children participated in eco-friendly art projects, creating beautiful instruments from recycled materials, while families enjoyed walking around the campground, stopping at each booth to gain knowledge on how making small changes in their life can help change things for the better for future generations. The sense of community was noticeable, as people of all ages came together to celebrate and protect their shared Earth.

The day’s success was evident not only in the number of participants but also in the meaningful conversations and renewed sense of purpose many carried with them after the event.

Valley Center High School Earth Day -April 22^nd, 2024- Valley Center High School

On April 22nd, the Rincon Environmental Department participated in the Earth Day event at Valley Center High School. Giveaways helped to promote environmental awareness, and students visiting the Environmental Department’s table learned about recycling by playing a 3-bin sorting game, that helped students understand which items should be recycled, composted, or disposed of in the trash. Students found Styrofoam particularly challenging to categorize, as many believed it was recyclable, but it belongs in the landfill due to its non-biodegradable nature. The Environmental Department provided tote bags with the Rincon Logo that were made from sustainable and recycled materials. The event featured performances by local tribes showcasing culturally significant songs and dances.

The successful event helped to empower students with knowledge on the importance of waste diversion from the landfill, as reducing, recycling, and re-using materials will help reduce greenhouse gas generation and climate change effects and help lead to a cleaner and healthier future.

Rincon Earth Day -May 1st, 2024- Rincon Government Center

The Environmental Department organized its own Earth Day event on May 1st at the Rincon Government Center lobby. The setup included a table displaying a variety of succulents, assorted nuts, pens, and notebooks made from recycled materials. Moreover, an information rack was stocked with flyers covering crucial environmental topics such as recycling processes, the significance of recycling, decomposition rates of different materials in landfills, combating climate change, and guidance on septic system care due to Rincon’s usage of septic systems around the Reservation. By the event’s conclusion, nearly all the succulents had been given away, and approximately 40 Tribal members visited the booth to gather insights on how they can contribute positively to the Reservation and the environment.

Clean-Up Day-June 8^th, 2024- Rincon Transfer Station

On June 8th, the Rincon Environmental Department organized the annual Clean-Up Day at the Rincon Transfer Station. This event was supported by both Government staff and volunteers and was funded by two grants from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The main goals of the event were to improve the cleanliness, appearance, and overall well-being of the reservation, promote environmental stewardship, and foster a sense of pride and ownership in the Rincon community. Removing litter, debris, and waste, a clean-up day helps reduce pollution and prevents harmful materials from damaging ecosystems, waterways, and wildlife habitats. This contributes to a healthier environment for everyone.

The event served as a platform for educating the community about waste management, recycling, environmental issues, and sustainability practices. Participants learned how to reduce waste, reuse items, and properly dispose of hazardous materials. Clean up activities result in increased environmental preservation, decreased fire risks, waste diversion from landfills, enhanced community aesthetics, and a reduced carbon footprint. By correctly disposing of waste, harmful items are prevented from polluting the soil and water on the Reservation, thus protecting the ecosystem. Proper waste management helps reduce fire hazards, which is especially crucial during the hot summer months. Encouraging sustainability and reducing the volume of waste ending up in landfills greatly aids in reducing greenhouse gases and adverse climate effects and diverting materials from landfills. Lowering carbon dioxide emissions is essential, as it is the primary greenhouse gas contributor to climate change.

The Public Works team began their day early, collecting waste from Tribal Seniors, Elders, and Disabled individuals living on the reservation and transporting it to the Transfer Station. Government staff and volunteers arrived early to help place signage, banners, event flags, and set up pop-ups, tables, and chairs. Vendors arrived and were directed to their specific waste disposal areas. There was disposal areas set up for municipal waste, green waste, scrap metal, major appliances, motor oil (in residential amounts), paint, household hazardous waste, batteries, tires, document shredding, plastic drinking bottles, cans, cardboard, and e-waste.

The main event at the Transfer Station kicked off at 10 am. Upon arrival at the Transfer Station, guests were checked in, welcomed with goodie bags containing giveaways, and directed to the various waste drop-off stations. Guests were then encouraged to check out tables with interactive activities, snack on snacks from a taco truck, and enjoy the music provided by a lively DJ. The event staff efficiently checked in attendees, guided them to their waste disposal areas, and distributed attractive blue beach bags featuring the Rincon logo. Inside the bags were informational flyers on water conservation, a sustainable bamboo bento box and cheese board, a stainless-steel water bottle, and a meal ticket for the taco truck.

At every waste disposal site there was assistance available for Tribal Members to safely unload waste from their vehicles. North State Environmental oversaw the processing of household hazardous waste and electronic waste disposals. South Bay Shredding offered on-site document shredding services. Additionally, Rincon’s Public Works and Fire Departments were stationed at the top of the ramp, helping members unload their vehicles, and dispose of the waste into the roll-off bins below.

After unloading their waste, attendees were invited to park their vehicle and enjoy the event further. Refreshing drinks and tacos plates were available from the taco truck. The Environmental Department table had a series of raffles in which participants could win prizes such as STEM kits. Participants that successfully completed the water conservation activity “Myth vs Fact” game won reusable silicon sandwich bags. Additionally, the Indian Health Council had a table set up where they provided healthcare information to Tribal members and guidance on safe disposal of unwanted prescriptions and medications. At the event’s conclusion, 40-yard bins were filled with green waste and solid waste (trash). Additionally, a significant quantity of household hazardous waste was gathered, including batteries, fluorescent light tubes, car tires, electronic waste, paint, and oils. North State Environmental took great care to sort and dispose of each piece of household hazardous waste in compliance with environmental regulations.

Rincon Fiesta-August 17^th-Rincon Ballfields

On August 17th, 2024, the Rincon Environmental Department participated in the Rincon Fiesta at the Rincon ballfields. The booth hosted featured giveaways, a STEM kit display, informational flyers, a recycling game, and snacks. The goal was to provide information and educational material on important environmental topics to visitors of the event. The informational flyers distributed by the Environmental Department included how to live a sustainable zero waste lifestyle, the significance of composting, how to set up a home composting system, the importance of fixing leaky faucets to conserve water, and the detrimental effects of water pollution on both the environment and human health.

A STEM kit showcasing a water purification system similar to an aquifer was set up at the table to demonstrate how different materials like gravel, sand, activated charcoal, and filter paper can filter dirty water, and result in cloudy water becoming clear.

The recycling game helped attendees of all ages understand recycling, composting, and proper waste disposal. Additionally, the Environmental Department brought some giveaways that were handed out to visitors. The booth attracted about 55 people who engaged in enlightening discussions on ways to make positive changes in their daily lives. The interactive nature of the activities, especially the recycling game, was particularly effective in engaging younger attendees, planting the seeds for lifelong sustainable habits.

The event served as a good opportunity to offer educational material that fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility towards environmental stewardship. Visitors left the booth with a deeper understanding of how their small, daily actions could contribute to a larger, positive impact on the planet.

Go back to Rincon Environmental Department (RED) Page.