On November 9, Earth Team interns from Berkeley, Richmond, and Skyline high schools teamed up to take action at Davis Park in San Pablo. The day’s activities, supported by the NOAA B-WET and GLOBE programs, featured On-Land Visual Trash Assessments (OVTA) followed by a park cleanup, tying fieldwork directly to watershed education.
Interns began their day early with an On-land Visual Trash Assessment. This protocol enabled students to systematically assess litter in and around the park, collecting valuable data to help the city monitor trash levels over time. The findings provided insight into the types and sources of debris impacting local ecosystems.
Equipped with this knowledge, students transitioned into action. Armed with gloves and tools, they spread out across the park to remove trash that had accumulated along pathways, playgrounds, and the creek bed. From plastic bottles to unexpected items like discarded furniture, the interns tackled a wide range of litter. Together, they collected over 800 pounds of waste, making a significant impact on the health of the park and its watershed.
The cleanup effort served as an experiential application of the students’ yearlong focus on watershed health. As they worked, interns reflected on the connection between litter in urban spaces and its downstream impacts on waterways and, ultimately, the ocean. This real-world context reinforced classroom lessons about pollution, stormwater runoff, and their roles in maintaining ecosystem health.
For many interns, this fieldwork also highlighted the importance of community collaboration. Partnering with city officials and local organizations underscored the value of collective efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
The work at Davis Park doesn’t end here. Interns will return throughout the year to conduct follow-up assessments, continue their cleanup efforts, and engage in restoration projects such as planting native species. These activities will deepen their understanding of ecosystem dynamics and enhance the park’s ecological resilience.
Earth Team is grateful to the NOAA B-WET and City of San Pablo for making this impactful day possible. Their support empowers students to transform knowledge into action, fostering the next generation of environmental stewards. By combining hands-on activities with education and community engagement, Earth Team interns gain the skills to become leaders in sustainability and conservation.
