Coastal Cleanup Day at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve!

On Saturday September 20th, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, in partnership with Heal the Bay, celebrated Coastal Cleanup Day! Coastal Cleanup Day is an international day of action that helps clean up our waterways from pollution, and raises awareness on the impact of human activity on the environment.

Thank you to all the volunteers that came to Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve to help clean up Ballona Creek. Individuals and families were prepared, in great spirits, and ready to work! We picked up over 200 pounds of trash! Not only are we keeping this trash out of our waterways, but we are protecting wildlife, and helping our outdoor spaces stay clean for the community to enjoy. Volunteers also got the opportunity to learn more about the wonderful wildlife found at Ballona Wetlands, and see firsthand how cleaning up pollution protects this vital ecosystem.

Towards the end of the event, we all gathered, took a group photo and  compared the weirdest trash we found during the cleanup. From scuba tanks, shoes, a soccer ball, and a headrest, you never know what will wash up! In terms of least interesting, but most prevalent items, volunteers found foam and small plastics in massive quantities. Volunteers recorded this data, which showcases what trash affects our creek the most, and helps in planning future strategies to best mitigate its impact.

We were so honored to host Valeree Catangay, an illustrator, visual artist, & climate strategist, and creator of the poster promoting this year’s Coastal Cleanup Day. We led a Q&A session with her after the clean up where she explained her thought process and inspiration behind the poster, showcasing the connection between art and nature. 

Overall, this event serves as a vivid reminder of the impact that a community can have when we come together to make a positive difference. If you would like to help us continue cleaning up Ballona Creek, please register for our monthly creek cleanups on our calendar!

Thank you again to Heal the Bay and our amazing volunteers. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!