Trash and junk have built up along the River and its tributaries, so plan to join the 37th Annual SLV River & Road Clean Up on Saturday, September 23, from 9 AM to Noon. Organized by The Valley Women’s Club in conjunction with Save Our Shores’ Coastal Cleanup, you can come to Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, or Felton to check in and gather trash and recyclables and bring them back there. 

Thanks to the generosity of Brandon and Erin Parker, owners of THE MAT-Boulder Creek Laundry, the traditional Boulder Creek check-in site. In Ben Lomond, look for the site alongside Hwy 9 near Fillmore Ave. In Felton, come to the Covered Bridge Park. Carrying on its long tradition, the Lompico Community Center holds its annual Clean-up the same morning at Lompico Park. Each organization emphasizes the link between the health of the San Lorenzo River Watershed to the health of the Bay and the Ocean and needs volunteers of all ages to help.

Safety is paramount during the Clean Up. Volunteers are required to sign a waiver of liability (fill it out when you come or ahead of time at Save Our Shores. Children 12 and under must be with an adult. Anyone working along the river or a creek must have a buddy. Bring gloves and water, and wear sturdy shoes and readily visible clothing. Large signs warning drivers will be posted along Clean Up routes & safety vests are available.

Students can earn Community Service credit for their work hours; forms are provided.

The County of Santa Cruz again generously supports the SLV River & Road Clean Up, providing a truck and driver to haul recyclables and trash to the Ben Lomond Transfer Station for free disposal. 

Volunteers are encouraged to bring cars and trucks to help load and transport materials to the three pick-up points and are encouraged to enlist family and friends.

Save Our Shores and VWC volunteers will staff the SLV sign-in/weigh-in stations, provide trash bags and latex gloves, and suggest cleanup locations.

If you know of a place needing special attention this year or additional information, please get in touch with VWC Environmental Committee Chair Nancy Macy at 831/345-1555 or email.