In 1970, more than 20 million people across the country came together in their communities to demand cleaner air, water, and land. This powerful grassroots movement became the first-ever Earth Day, sparking a wave of environmental awareness and leading to landmark legislation from the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health and the environment. Now, 55 years later, Earth Day remains a vital opportunity for students and communities to unite in support of our planet. For Earth Team, the day holds special meaning—not only because of its environmental focus, but also because Earth Team itself was started on Earth Day in 1994.
On Saturday, April 26th, Earth Team interns from Arroyo, Castro Valley, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo High Schools joined families, neighbors, and local volunteers for a public creek restoration event at the Castro Valley Creek Trail. Hosted by the Castro Valley Sanitation District (CVSan) as part of a larger series of local Earth Day cleanups, this event brought together 76 interns and volunteers from all over the East Bay. The goal for the day was to remove invasive species from the creek, remove litter from the area, and maintain the existing pathway that makes up part of the Castro Valley Creek Trail.
While Earth Team has hosted cleanups at this site in the past, this year’s event was especially exciting. For the first time, we received permission to enter a typically fenced-off section of the creek. This allowed interns to tackle invasive plant species at their source. The team targeted three particularly aggressive plants: English Ivy (Hedera helix), Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), and Mexican Ash (Fraxinus berlandieriana). While it may seem odd to actually remove plants on Earth Day, these three species are overtaking native trees that provide food for local wildlife. They are crowding out smaller plants, preventing new growth and biodiversity. Even though plants like ivy may look beautiful, they are diminishing the overall habitat quality. With guidance from restoration expert Jeff Johnson, interns learned to use weed wrenches to remove some of the larger plants in the area. Many of the Ash stretched deep underground with large taproots, but interns removed over 10 from the area!
For those larger plants removed, we ensured there was a California native species to go in its place. Thanks to the support of Ann Maris from the Friends of San Lorenzo Creek and East Bay Wilds Native Plant Nursery, we introduced native species like red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana var. demissa), and deer brush (Ceanothus integerrimus). Our gratitude also extends to the Plant and Pottery Outlet, who generously donated several beautiful California lilacs (Ceanothus arboreus) and an ‘Emerald Carpet’ manzanita (Arctostaphylos). These not only helped fill the gaps left behind by invasive removal, but also gave Earth Team interns the opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn the art of gardening.
On both sides of the creek, students teamed up with Bruce King and Earth Team coordinators to clear dense ivy and Himalayan blackberry from the fenceline and creekbed. Though ivy may appear beautiful, it grows rapidly, smothering native vegetation and climbing trees, ultimately strangling them with thick, rope-like vines. Interns had to work hard to free several large trees, carefully cutting ivy vines at the base to prevent regrowth, this will open up space for birds and other wildlife to return and thrive.
Meanwhile, up on the trail, interns and families added the final touches to the day by planting dozens of native saplings, including Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) and Sentinel Manzanita (Arctostaphylos densiflora), generously donated by the Lisa Arnold Nursery. Though small now, these plants will one day flourish into resilient native shrubs that provide habitat, prevent erosion, and line the trail with natural beauty.
To cap off a meaningful day, interns gathered to test water quality in the creek. All four schools have had an opportunity to practice using the water quality testing kits during weekly after school meetings. One student from each school stepped up to test for pH, turbidity, nitrates, and phosphates, adding to the growing understanding of this local waterway’s health.
At the end of the day, this event was a great success. The group removed 4 large trash bags and about 1,700 gallons of invasive plants, while also planting 100 native plants and conducting 4 different water quality tests. This Earth Day event was a clear reflection of what can be accomplished when young people and community members work together with intention. When students, families, and local organizations come together with a shared purpose, they create lasting change. Interns applied what they’ve been learning all year, contributed meaningful restoration work, and saw firsthand how their actions can make a difference. Earth Team is deeply grateful to our partners, supporters, and every volunteer who contributed time, energy, and heart to make this day a success. Thank you to the ACRCD, Lisa Arnold Nursery, Plant and Pottery Outlet, East Bay Wilds, Friends of San Lorenzo Creek, and CVSan for all of the support and resources that made this work possible. To the organizing team, Jennifer, Ann, Jeff, and Bruce, thank you for the commitment to supporting our environment and our students. Alongside our gratitude for all who supported this event, we’re incredibly proud of our interns for continuously showing up with curiosity, energy, and commitment.
Happy Earth Day!
