On Saturday, a wave of volunteers transformed the banks of Stevens Creek Trail as they participated in the 39th annual 2023 California Coastal Cleanup Day. The City of Mountain View Fire Department joined forces with other local citizens in this massive effort to remove trash and debris from California's shores and waterways, helping to combat the ever-growing threat of pollution.

Founded in 1985 by the California Coastal Commission, Coastal Cleanup Day has grown into California's largest annual volunteer event. The cleanup spans across the state's creeks, rivers, lakes, coastlines, and shorelines, all of which eventually lead to the ocean. This interconnected network of waterways allows trash to travel far and wide; thus, Coastal Cleanup Day operates throughout California with the objective of protecting our coast and ocean from the mounting perils of pollution.

The undertaking is part of a larger international day of action aimed at protecting our oceans, watersheds, and wildlife from debris. In 2021, the Ocean Conservancy reported that more than 318,000 volunteers removed over 5,595,000 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways globally. 

To learn more about the work of the California Coastal Commission and how to contribute to future cleanup initiatives, visit their website.