Photo by Austin Noble
On a crisp November Saturday, volunteers fanned out along several Sonoma Creek access points for a Watershed-Wide Creek Cleanup, answering a timely call to action as the first winter rains approached. With storms on the horizon and floodwaters poised to carry trash downstream, the day underscored how narrow the window can be to protect local waterways—and how powerful a community response can be when that moment arrives.
In the days leading up to the cleanup, Sonoma Ecology Center Senior Scientist and Research Program Manager Steven Lee emphasized the urgency of acting before debris could be swept into the Bay and ocean, saying, “This week’s rains are an important wake-up call that the time we have left to make an impact on our local waterways is dwindling—making this Saturday’s creek cleanup, even amidst soggy conditions, especially critical.” That sense of shared responsibility translated into action, drawing roughly 50 volunteers across multiple sites throughout the watershed.
Photos by Austin Noble
“It was great to see so many volunteers out on a beautiful Saturday morning, helping keep our streams clean,” said Sonoma Ecology Center Executive Director Richard Dale, seen below (far right) helping Sonoma Ecology Center Restoration Technician Josh Zupan and an EnviroLeader participant load debris that volunteers had removed from the creek. “Their enthusiasm was infectious, and in more than one location, so efficient that we were able to clean up several areas well before noon, allowing teams to go even further than planned. There was even a report of an early Chinook salmon swimming up through Maxwell Park, no doubt encouraging everyone to keep working to keep streams healthy! Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated.”
By day’s end, the collective effort had tangible results. Volunteers filled a 10-yard debris bin, removed multiple truckloads of trash, and pulled tires, shopping carts, metal stakes, and shattered bottles from creek corridors and flood-prone areas. The work was made possible through collaboration with our partners at Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County Regional Parks, Homeless Action Sonoma, and local HOA affiliates. Sonoma Ecology Center Education Program Manager Tony Passantino, who spearheaded the collective cleanup effort, noted the value each participating organization contributed: “We had support from HomeFirst, Sonoma Applied Village Services, and Homeless Action Sonoma onsite to provide resources for folks living along the creek, many of whom helped with the cleanup. Also, a huge thanks to St. Leos church for providing the space, bathrooms, and providing the debris bin! It was incredible to see this level of community activation all along our watershed.”
Photo by Austin Noble
Youth involvement played a key role as well. Teen members of our EnviroLeaders program joined the cleanup at Maxwell Farms, digging out seven tires and clearing hazards from well-used paths. “The teens all expressed some sort of awe/enjoyment with the project as they had all been to Maxwell,” said Sonoma Garden Park Assistant Manager and EnviroLeaders Program Lead Rebecca Kelly. “They were troopers: digging out 7 tires, hauling metal stakes, and clearing shattered bottles from the walking paths.” For many of the teens, the experience was both eye-opening and affirming. As one EnviroLeader put it, “It’s a good thing we’re doing this. Who else would?” The comment captured a central truth of environmental stewardship: caring for our shared waterways, open spaces, and green spaces depends on people choosing to show up.
It’s a good thing we’re doing this. Who else would?
—Sonoma Ecology Center Teen EnviroLeader
While the cleanup marked an important milestone ahead of winter storms, it also reflected Sonoma Ecology Center’s year-round commitment to watershed health. Monitoring, research, education, and restoration continue long after the last piece of debris is hauled away. Events like the Watershed-Wide Creek Cleanup remind us that protecting Sonoma Creek is both an ongoing responsibility and a shared one, sustained by individuals working together for the long-term health of our environment.
Photo by Rebecca Kelly
Photo by Richard Dale
Join an Upcoming Community Creek Stewardship Effort!
Join us, in partnership with Sonoma County Ag + Open Space and the City of Sonoma, on January 19, 10:00 am-12:30 pm at Nathanson Creek Preserve to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a day of creek stewardship! In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service, we will gather to enhance the native plant area and remove trash along the urban creek. This event offers a meaningful opportunity to positively impact the environment and contribute to the beautification of our local park. Sign up below and invite a friend!
