For weeks now, the team had been planning and organizing this event and we’re excited to say it was a success! The team was happy to greet familiar faces and dedicated volunteers–some visiting from as far as Antioch and Concord to come lend a hand! Together, we worked under the sun’s warm rays to bring some health back into the Pinole Creek watershed.
The day was jam-packed with a variety of activities to help volunteers understand all the components that go into maintaining a healthy watershed. Earth Team interns led litter assessments, water quality test demonstrations, “native vs. invasive species” discussions, and native plant installations.
By the end of the event, Earth Team interns and volunteers collected and tracked 1,146 pieces of litter using NOAA’s Marine Debris Tracker app. A patch of invasive grasses and weeds was transformed into a garden, and new home, for 28 native plants! Thanks to our partnership with the Pinole Valley Community Church, community members can now find 12 different native plant species in our garden including Coyote Brush, Yarrow, Mugwort, California Blackberry, Arroyo Lupine, California Sagebrush, and the beloved state flower, California Poppy!
Hear what Earth Team Pinole interns had to say about the event:
“The earth team event was a blast. I had fun and I was told a lot of the volunteers did too. I was really happy to see a lot of volunteers come in and everyone work together to build the garden and clean the creek. I think it built a better community and I hope in the future more people will be influenced just like the young kids that came wanting to help. It was also great that some of the Pinole Valley High School students that came gave interest in joining Earth Team next year!” –Tricia T.
“This is probably the best day of Earth Team for me. I enjoyed it a lot and I’d like to participate in similar events in which we are the organizers. My friends said they are considering joining the team next year! I’m so happy!!! Thank you for helping us organize an event like this. I have learned so much from this!” -June N.
Thanks to our partners at Pinole Valley Community Church, Pinole Valley High School, and Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed for helping us put on this event! Lastly, thanks to all the hardworking volunteers, including Earth Team Antioch and Earth Team Hercules interns, who came and helped the team out! We couldn’t have done it without you!