West Contra Costa County residents are being called upon to help restore and protect their local shoreline and waterways during the East Bay Regional Park District’s participation in California Coastal Cleanup Day.
The work is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Among the 11 cleanup locations organized by EBRPD across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, two are in Richmond:
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Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (Richmond, Rydin Road staging area) — a beloved Bay Trail park and major off-leash dog recreation area, Point Isabel’s shoreline will be cleaned and refreshed by volunteers.
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Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Richmond, Giant Staging Area) — volunteers will patrol riprap-lined beaches, shoreline trails, and Bay views to collect debris and beautify this busy public park.
This year’s event features the Park District’s new “TRASHure Hunt:” at each site, organizers will hide a golden trash grabber. Volunteers who discover one will earn a special prize and may have their photo featured on the Park District’s social media channels.
Volunteers and staff will gather litter and recyclables, refresh shoreline trails, and support fragile ecosystems. The Park District provides gloves, trash bags, snacks, and water, but you’re welcome (and encouraged) to bring your own trash-picking tools.
And yes, there’s tradition: the odd trash finds continue, with past years turning up everything from a sword to a 1980s-era ThighMaster. Finders of strange or interesting items this year will receive a Park District–branded cooling towel (while supplies last).
Bring a hat, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, layered clothing, closed-toe shoes and evern trash-hunting gear if you’d like.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Drop-in volunteer help is welcome at all sites, though registration is encouraged
Nearly every item of trash collected in Richmond will ultimately be prevented from entering San Francisco Bay and, downstream, the Pacific Ocean.
If you’d like to volunteer at a West Contra Costa cleanup location, or learn more, visit the East Bay Regional Park District’s Coastal Cleanup Day page or contact [email protected] or call 510-544-2229.
