The Santa Clara Valley Water District is one of several agencies involved in the 2018 Coastal Cleanup Day efforts and is in need of 1,500 volunteers of all ages to help get the job done.
The cleanup will be held from 9am to noon Sept. 15 at 45 sites throughout Santa Clara County. Interested volunteers can find a running list and map of local cleanup sites and waiver of liability forms at cleanacreek.org. Pre-registration is required at most sites.
“In previous years, various neighborhood associations, Boy/Girl Scout groups, fraternity groups, faith-based groups, city organizations, local businesses and hundreds of individuals have shown up to keep our creeks and rivers litter-free,” according to the SCVWD’s announcement.
Last year’s Coastal Cleanup Day brought in more than 2,000 volunteers throughout the county. Some cleanup sites are more suitable for those who are 18 years of age or older. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the cleanup event.
Each year, volunteers fan out to creek sites throughout the county to clean up trash along the waterways during Coastal Cleanup Day. Trash in creeks can ultimately wind up in our bays and the ocean, landing on California’s coastline and impacting wildlife, according to the report.
“Many volunteers have already registered, but 1,500 are still are needed to clean up the 45 creek sites,” according tothe release. “Not only do these volunteer efforts beautify and improve the health of our local rivers and creeks, but it also leaves participants with a lasting impression of the impact that trash has on our local creeks.”
Last year, volunteer cleanups contributed to the removal of 87,997 pounds of trash from local creeks in the county.
Locally, Coastal Cleanup Day is coordinated by the Creek Connections Action Group, a consortium of public agencies and non-profit organizations, including Santa Clara Valley Water District, Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation and various local cities. Following the lead of the California Coastal Commission, the CCAG formed in the fall of 1995.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, sunscreen, bring a reusable water bottle and their own pick-up sticks. First-aid supplies, trash bags, water and refreshments will be provided. Gloves will also be provided to those folks that don’t bring their own.
All youth under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian signature on a Waiver of Liability form and will also need adult supervision for the entire event.
What: 2018 Coastal Cleanup Day
When: 9am to noon Saturday, Sept. 15
Where: 45 sites throughout Santa Clara County
How: Sign-up at www.cleanacreek.org
