Environmental organizations are seeking volunteers for a critical cleanup initiative at Rose Creek in Pacific Beach on September 16, 2023. The event, part of the annual Coastal Cleanup Day, runs from 09:00 to 12:00 and is organized by We Clean Trails, The Friends of Rose Creek, and I Love A Clean San Diego.
“We need community support to protect our waterways,” said Karin Zirk, executive director of Friends of Rose Creek. “By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish by weight in the world’s oceans if we don’t defend our waterways from litter.”
Participants are encouraged to contribute to sustainability efforts during the cleanup. Zirk emphasized the importance of reducing waste, advising volunteers to bring their own wagons, buckets, work gloves, and reusable water bottles.
Volunteers will gather at Mission Bay High School, located at 2475 Grand Ave., specifically in the faculty parking lot on the east side of the campus overlooking Rose Creek. Ample parking is available on Grand Avenue and in the lot off Lee Street to the west of the campus.
To ensure an environmentally friendly event, Zirk stated, “We would love to be as close to ‘zero waste’ as we can this year.” She urged participants to help by transporting trash from collection points to dumpsters using their wagons.
Safety is a priority for the organizers. Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves. Drinking water and healthy snacks will be provided on-site.
Those interested in participating can register in advance at CleanupDay.org or sign up at the event. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver, which can be downloaded ahead of time or completed on-site.
This cleanup day represents a vital opportunity for community members to come together and make a tangible impact on their local environment. Volunteers play an essential role in preserving the health of San Diego’s waterways and combating plastic pollution.