We are less than two weeks from I Love A Clean San Diego’s 10th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup! With over 5,300 volunteers last year, our amazing site captains are vital in guaranteeing the success of this countywide event. This year they are taking the lead at 88 sites across San Diego County and ensure that their volunteers have everything needed for a successful cleanup.
This week is also National Volunteer Appreciation Week and it couldn’t have come at a better time! We’ll be recognizing many of our amazing volunteers throughout the week so if you haven’t already, make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Today’s Spotlight: Creek to Bay site captain, Brent Carter!
Brent first reached out to ILACSD four years ago because he needed supplies for a cleanup he was organizing in a canyon near his home. He quickly decided to become a volunteer site captain at our Creek to Bay Cleanup, leading volunteers to beautify the 47th St. canyon site. Brent says that Creek to Bay is an important event because “bringing attention to urban sites that have been forgotten is essential, and Creek to Bay does that in a great way. It is easy to forget the pathway of debris, from the watersheds in the canyon, down to the sea. It also a great way to get people out of their homes or routines and make some new friends on a wonderful day of stewardship!”
All of us here at ILACSD want to thank Brent for his dedication to keeping his backyard canyon and our watersheds clean!
Full Q & A with Brent Carter:
What motivated you to volunteer with ILACSD?
I had been doing cleanups and restoration in the canyon near where I live, and heard about ILACSD from community leader, Linda Pennington. She said ILACSD had helped her do events and helped organize, bring volunteers and provided equipment. I can say that they have been so organized and helpful. They essentially provide an “event in a box,” which is heaven-sent for a small group leader like myself.
How long have you been volunteering with ILACSD?
Four years (ish)
How long have you been a site captain for Creek to Bay?
Four years (ish)
Have you always been a captain at the same site (47th St. canyon)?
Yes, although I helped manage five sites for Coastal Cleanup Day last year.
Why is that site important to you?
I live on the edge of the canyon and walk my dog there every day. There are five of us with dogs that pick up trash and patrol the canyon each morning! Keeping it clean, restored and safe is a priority to me.
What is your favorite part of participating in the Creek to Bay cleanup?
From start to finish, this is a great event. ILACSD helps bring volunteers, gives advice, and provides equipment. I wish every organization I have worked with was so professional and on the ball! Working with such surprising and varied volunteers is awesome, then walking through the site looking at how effective everyone has been is wonderful.
Why do you think cleanups like Creek to Bay are important to keeping San Diego healthy and clean?
Bringing attention to urban sites that have been forgotten is essential and Creek to Bay does that in a great way. It is easy to forget the pathway of debris, from the watersheds in the canyon, down to the sea. It also a great way to get people out of their homes or routines and make some new friends on a wonderful day of stewardship!
What is the strangest piece of trash you’ve found at a Creek to Bay Cleanup?
Strangest thing EVER is: four baby teeth in a little box. I still have not figured out how they got in a canyon – any ideas? It’s odd, just odd.
