Environmental groups in San Diego are mobilizing volunteers for Coastal Cleanup Day on September 23, 2023. The event will take place along Rose Creek in Pacific Beach from 09:00 to 12:00. Organized by We Clean Trails, The Friends of Rose Creek, and I Love A Clean San Diego, the initiative aims to protect local waterways from pollution.
Karin Zirk, executive director of Friends of Rose Creek, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “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.” This alarming prediction underscores the importance of community involvement in cleanup efforts.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment to minimize waste during the event. Zirk advised volunteers to arrive equipped with wagons, buckets, work gloves, and reusable water bottles. “We would love to be as close to ‘zero waste’ as we can this year and you can help,” she added.
Event Logistics and Registration
Volunteers should gather at Mission Bay High School, located at 2475 Grand Ave., in the faculty parking lot on the east side of the campus, which overlooks Rose Creek. Ample parking is available on Grand Avenue in front of the school and in the lot off Lee Street west of the campus.
To facilitate a sustainable event, organizers are urging participants to wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves. Drinking water and healthy snacks will be provided to all volunteers. Those interested in participating can register in advance at CleanupDay.org or sign up on the day of the event.
It is important to note that anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on their waiver. These waivers can be downloaded ahead of time or signed on-site, ensuring that all participants are covered for the day’s activities.
Community engagement is crucial in combating environmental challenges. By volunteering for Coastal Cleanup Day, individuals can make a tangible difference in their local ecosystem. Zirk’s call to action resonates with many, emphasizing that collective efforts can lead to significant changes in how we treat our environment.
As the cleanup day approaches, the anticipation builds for a successful event that will not only clean up Rose Creek but also raise awareness about the importance of protecting San Diego’s waterways.
