Creek Week Volunteer Opportunities

Throughout the Russian River watershed, the third week of September is recognized as Creek Week. This year Creek Week is from September 16 to September 24. During Creek Week, creek, river and ocean clean-up campaigns will take place throughout Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. The Russian River watershed consists of over 150 creeks which provide water supply, wildlife habitat, flood capacity and recreation. Unfortunately, trash and debris accumulation in local waterways impair water quality, wildlife habitat and, at times, recreation and flood capacity. This is a great opportunity to take part in activities that connect you with your community and environmental practices that help protect our creeks.

You can contribute to the health of the Russian River ecosystem by participating in one of the creek and river cleanup events listed below!

Santa Rosa residents are invited to participate in the City of Santa Rosa’s Instagram contest. Post a photo next to a ‘Ours to Protect’ sign where a street crosses a creek with #OursToProtect and #SantaRosaWater to win weekly giveaways during the month of September. Every Thursday during the month of September one photo will be selected to win a $100 Sonoma Outfitters gift card (City of Santa Rosa residents only).

September 16

  • 33rd Annual Creek to Coast Cleanup at the

Location: Prince Memorial Greenway on the Olive Park Footbridge near 1698 Hazel Street, Santa Rosa

Time: 9:30 am to noon

Learn more: srcity.org/2290/Creek-to-Coast-Cleanup

  • Cotati Creek Clean-up

Location: Cotati Well Lot #2, between 8560 and 8561 Lakewood Ave, Cotati

Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Learn more: dailyacts.nonprofiteasy.net/PublicPages/Event/Calendar.aspx?mid=636

  • Russian River Cleanup

Locations: McCarty’s Bar and Grill, 6951 East Road, Redwood Valley

Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

RSVP and learn more: www.eventbrite.com/e/russian-river-watershed-cleanup-tickets-27204836398 or contact Deborah with Mendocino County Resource Conservation District at 707-462-3664 x 106 or deborah.edelman@mcrcd.org

  • Ukiah Creeks Cleanup

Locations: Oak Manor Park, Ukiah

Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

RSVP and learn more: www.eventbrite.com/e/russian-river-watershed-cleanup-tickets-27204836398 or contact Deborah with Mendocino County Resource Conservation District at 707-462-3664 x 106 or deborah.edelman@mcrcd.org

  • Hopland Area Russian River Cleanup

Locations: The intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 175, Hopland

Time: 8:30 am to noon

RSVP and learn more: www.eventbrite.com/e/russian-river-watershed-cleanup-tickets-27204836398 or contact Ken with North Coast Fire & EMS Training at 707-570-9226 or ken@ncfems.com

  • Cloverdale Area Cleanups

Locations: Cloverdale Regional Park and Trail, Geysers Road, River Park at Crocker Bridge

Time: 8:30 am to noon

RSVP and learn more: www.eventbrite.com/e/russian-river-watershed-cleanup-tickets-27204836398

  • Healdsburg Area Cleanups

Locations: Riverfront Regional Park, Magnolia Lane to Highway 101 Bridge, Syar Plant Beach, Badger Park, West Soda Rock Road, Alexander Valley Campground Beach

Time: 8:30 am to noon

RSVP and learn more: www.eventbrite.com/e/russian-river-watershed-cleanup-tickets-27204836398

  • Guerneville Area Cleanups

Locations: Steelhead Beach Regional Park, Moms Beach Regional Park, Sunset Beach Regional Park, Rio Nido Beaches, Johnson’s Beach area

Time: 8:30 am to noon

RSVP and learn more: www.eventbrite.com/e/russian-river-watershed-cleanup-tickets-27204836398

  • Coastwalk Sonoma County Coastal Cleanup

Locations: Doran Regional Park, Jenner Beaches, Bodega Bay Beaches

Time: 9:00 am to noon

RSVP and learn more: sonomabeachcleanup.org/events

September 18

  • Guerneville Weekly Town Cleanup

Location: Guerneville Town Plaza

Time: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Learn more: cleanriveralliance.org/new-events-1/2017/9/18/guerneville-town-cleanup-every-monday

September 23

  • Monthly Santa Rosa Creek Cleanup

Location: Prince Memorial Greenway at 105 Olive Street

Time: 10:00 am to noon

Learn more: cleanriveralliance.org/new-events-1/2017/9/23/monthly-cleanup-clean-river-alliance-santa-rosa

  • City of Healdsburg Foss Creek Cleanup and Smart Living Fair

Location: West Plaza Park, Between North Street and Matheson Street in Healdsburg

Time: 8:00 am to 1:00pm

RSVP and learn more: http://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/765/Foss-Creek-Cleanup

This article was authored by Nazareth Tesfai, of the Sonoma County Water Agency, on behalf of RRWA. RRWA (www.rrwatershed.org) is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, habitat restoration, and watershed enhancement.