Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Hicks discusses litter problem in Okmulgee

OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Muscogee (Creek) Nation Environmental Services hosted its fourth annual Earth Day campaign April 20.

The department rounded up participants who collected recyclables and picked up litter on the side of the highway.

Among these participants was MCN National Council Rep. Randall Hicks.

He said the reason he participates in the annual clean up is for mother Earth.

“If we don’t keep it clean, it will be like everything else, polluted, saturated. And that’s just bad for the environment,” Hicks said.

During the clean up, Hicks said he found empty alcohol bottles, syringes and a small plastic bag with the phrase “stay high” printed on it.

He said finding the illicit items was disheartening, especially in the MCN capital and so close the MCN complex.

Hicks said events like the Earth Day clean up are important because it helps participants be more aware of where their trash goes and what littering can do to the environment.

“It makes you stop and think, do I litter?” Hicks said.

After the cleanup, participants were rewarded with a cookout and prizes.

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Deviney Luchsinger/Multimedia Specialist

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern

Skyler Drinnon/Journalism Intern