The largest creek cleanup in Santa Clara County history is set
for May 21 on National River Cleanup Day, though volunteers are
still needed.
The largest creek cleanup in Santa Clara County history is set for May 21 on National River Cleanup Day, though volunteers are still needed.
With so much ground to cover, the 1,600 volunteers at 45 sites ready to pick up litter is still not enough to ensure all creeks are clean. Just a few hours at any one of the sites can make a big difference, the Santa Clara Valley Water District said in a press release.
Plastic bottles and bags, fast food packaging, cigarette butts and other litter along Santa Clara County’s waterways is not only awful to look at, but it affects local creeks and streams as well.
During the rainy season, this litter is swept off the roadways and into storm drains that flow directly to local waterways. This poses a threat to both the local habitat and water quality. Also, when the accumulation of litter is paired with natural occurrences, such as broken tree limbs and erosion along creeks and streams, flood protection is decreased.
“Each year National River Cleanup Day provides the opportunity for people to come together to make a big impact,” said water district CEO Beau Goldie. “The amount of trash and debris that is collected and removed on this day improves the health and habitat of our local waterways year round.”
This year, sites like the Guadalupe River near the Mineta San Jose International Airport, or Los Gatos Creek from Bear Creek Road through Campbell Avenue are drawing a lot of attention because of the amount of debris that needs to be removed.
Each year the water district partners with Creek Connections Action Group, a consortium of public agencies and non-profit organizations in Santa Clara County, to host cleanup sites for National River Cleanup Day. Since the group’s inception, thousands of volunteers have participated in hundreds of cleanups, removing thousands of pounds of trash each year from creeks, rivers, and lakes in the county.
Last year alone, more than 1,000 volunteers at 34 sites across the county covered 66 miles of waterways and picked up more than 6,000 pounds of recyclables and 29,000 pounds of trash, including mattresses, shopping carts, tires, a car axle and dining room chairs.
For cleanup day, wear long pants, sturdy shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen. Volunteers will need to bring their own pick-up sticks and all children younger than 18 will need be accompanied by an adult. Clean-up supplies and light refreshments will be provided.
For a list of cleanup locations, registration information and more details about National River Cleanup Day, visit www.cleanacreek.org or valleywater.org.
