Cathie Bullis - 2025 (Brinley)
Cathie Bullis is founder, organizer and the soul of Davis Picks it Up volunteer group. DPIU is a group of volunteers, orchestrated by Bullis, that picks up litter and garbage in and around the city of Davis in order to promote a clean and safe environment for the community.
Bullis began her Davis Picks it Up journey simply by picking up litter when out on walks in her neighborhood. Wanting to do more to solve the problem, she founded DPIU in February of 2022 after being mentored by the Sacramento Picks it Up group.
DPIU began as a small group of friends and volunteers working on small projects with minimal equipment. The group has grown to over 734 volunteers with bi-weekly projects.
Bullis emphasizes volunteer safety, ensuring all use gloves, pickers, safety vests, protective clothing and proper techniques. She has welcomed volunteers from local schools, UC Davis, the Davis community and even out of town visitors.
As of September 2025, DPIU has removed 1,005 bags of trash and 58,400 pounds (over 29 tons) of litter from the city.
“Cathie embodies the best of Davis as someone who is willing to jump in and literally get her hands dirty while improving our community,” said 2021 Citizen of the Year Award winner Bob Bowen.
Bullis has done partnerships with Recology, the Davis City Council, UCD, local businesses and other civic groups. She even provides a monthly newsletter with updates and information about promoting a clean, litter-free environment.
“She is a dynamic, well organized and energetic leader with a smile and encouragement for her volunteers,” said Bullis’ nominator Weldon Jordan. “Cathie is an inspiration to all those who volunteer with her and Davis Picks It Up. The volunteers get to connect with other people in the community and make some new friends.”
Bullis told The Enterprise that she was shocked when she was told that she had received this honor.
“I feel truly honored to be receiving this prestigious award,” remarked Bullis. “I never thought that picking up litter would be in my future, but once I started it blossomed into a large group of truly remarkable volunteers from our community who come together to help make our city cleaner and safer. The Davis Picks It Up group has become more than just volunteers. It has started promoting close friendships, camaraderie, respect, inclusion, mentoring and has added joy, laughter, reward, exercise and a wonderful sense of community. From ages five to eighty five, it allows anyone to help out in some capacity. This has truly become one of the most cherished, meaningful accomplishments of my retirement life. I couldn’t be more grateful to be recognized from my community in this way. I am proud to call myself a ‘Trash Titan’ for Davis Picks It Up. To know that our work is making a difference in Davis fills us with pride. Work together, win together.”
— From the Davis Enterprise - Rebecca Wasik, Enterprise Staff Writer, March 4, 2026
