Attention Russian River Watershed Stewards!
Throughout the United States, the week starting on the third Monday of September is recognized as National Pollution Prevention Week. In much of California, including the Russian River watershed, cities, counties, and other stewardship organizations are recognizing the fourth week of September as Creek Week.
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 that 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.
Creek Week 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 creek and river cleanup events throughout the watershed!
Russian River Watershed Creek Week Clean-Up Events and Activities 2022
The Board of Directors of the Russian River Watershed Association proclaims that September 19-25, 2022 is Pollution Prevention Week and September 17-24, 2022 is Creek Week in the Russian River watershed.
Please note: The following information is correct to the best of RRWA’s knowledge; please contact the appropriate hosting agency or organization to confirm meeting times, locations, and to sign up. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires will affect some events. Please check with the hosting agency or organization regularly. Any updates will be posted to this website as soon as they are received.
The California Coastal Commission has put together an English and Spanish resource on how to participate in Creek Week activities during COVID-19. The Guidance for Neighborhood Cleanups document can be viewed by clicking here.
UKIAH VALLEY RUSSIAN RIVER CLEANUP
Hosted by Mendocino County Resource Conservation District, County of Mendocino and Redwood Waste Solutions
Sign-Up: Pre-register at https://forms.gle/L2MC3eALUeYy79EC9 Contact deborah.edelman@mcrcd.org for more information.
Details: Saturday, September 17 from 8:30 AM to Noon
Help keep litter off our streets and out of our creeks, river and ocean! Join your neighbors, friends, and family to clean the Russian River and its tributaries. We meet at Low Gap Park in Ukiah. Come at 8:30 to sign-in and get coffee. Bring a water bottle, sturdy shoes & work gloves. No flip flops! Pre-registration at https://forms.gle/L2MC3eALUeYy79EC9 required. Download flyer here.
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
Sign-Up: www.srcity.org/creekweek
Details: September 17-24, 2022
Celebrate throughout the week with fun and engaging activities for all ages. For over a decade Creek Week has offered educational events and volunteer creek cleanups. Creek Week coincides with the California Coastal Commission’s big Creek to Coast Cleanup Day. This event has now spread worldwide. For Creek Week, we invite you and your family to celebrate safely and explore your local creeks in new ways.
Saturday, September 17, 9:00AM-11:30AM
Prince Memorial Greenway Cleanup (Olive Park Footbridge (Near 1698 Hazel St.) – All ages are welcome to join us for a litter busting party at the Prince Memorial Greenway, as part of the annual Coastal Cleanup Day. This restored section of Santa Rosa Creek is really a gem in the heart of downtown with an active trail system. Large trees and deep pools are home to a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial species including heron, steelhead trout, and river otters! We’ll make trash cleanup extra fun and satisfying with a competition and prizes for your finds. This is a popular event with a big positive impact.
Sunday, September 18, 10:30AM-12:00PM
Guided Nature Walk at Flat Rock Park (Meet at Flat Rock Park (Flat Rock Park Circle or Yulupa Circle) – Join our naturalists for a guided, picturesque walk along the beautiful upper section of Santa Rosa Creek. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of the region, dive into the wonders of the plant world, look for birds and wildlife, and observe several different stages of creek restoration that are improving the creek and riparian (streamside) habitat. Footing is relatively flat but may be uneven along the way. For many people, this tour will allow discovery of a hidden jewel right in your backyard. If you already know this site, you’ll discover new facets that make it even more beautiful. Most appropriate for ages 6 and up.
Tuesday, September 20 & Thursday, September 22, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Downtown Underground (Meet at Prince Gateway Park (Santa Rosa Ave. and Sonoma Ave.))– Did you know there is a creek flowing running beneath your feet when you’re near Santa Rosa City Hall? Take a twilight tour of the huge underground culvert and fish ladder where Santa Rosa Creek runs under Downtown Santa Rosa. This event is thrilling and fascinating in equal measures and usually fills up fast. We’ll descend to the creek bed down a slope and over large rocks and walk across the creek (the water may be several inches deep). Wear your sturdy, closed-toe, waterproof shoes, no sandals. Bring your own flashlight. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Limited availability, and registration is required.
Saturday, September 24, 10:00AM-11:30AM & 10:30-12:00PM
Laguna Treatment Plant Tour (4300 Llano Rd.)– How much do you know about the epic journey that your used water takes after it leaves your house? What happens to this finite resource and where is its final destination? Join us for a tour of the Laguna Wastewater Treatment Plant and learn about recycling and beneficially reusing water. Ages 10 and up. Limited availability and registration is required. Two separate tour times are available.
Virtual Creek Week Activities
Best Management Practices for Handling Sharps
During Cleanup Events
RRWA is pleased to provide the following sharps guidance flyers for cleanup organizers and volunteers. The guidance was compiled from numerous local state and national organizations and reviewed and collectively polished by our regional partners.
For additional information about sharps, visit
ZeroWasteSonoma.gov/materials/sharps-needle or SafeNeedleDisposal.org
Creek Week/Pollution Prevention Week Proclamations
Creek Week/Pollution Prevention Week Proclamation 2022
Creek Week/Pollution Prevention Week Proclamation 2021
Creek Week/Pollution Prevention Week Proclamation 2021
RRWA Creek Week Partner / Sponsorships
