[Noozhawk’s note: Second in a series. Click here for the first article.]
On a foggy October morning, volunteers descended an embankment to retrieve tattered plastic bags and scattered aluminum cans.
The cleanup crew, members of Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade, removed 200 pounds of trash from Mission Creek days before it could be swept to the ocean with the year’s first rainfall.
These intrepid volunteers — true watershed champions — represent just one element of the nonprofit Channelkeeper’s heart-driven community of supporters.
You’ve likely heard of Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s water quality monitoring programs over the years, or read about its success in holding polluters accountable.
For more than two decades, the environmental organization has worked to protect and restore the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds through a combination of science-based advocacy, community education, in-the-field monitoring work, and enforcement.
Channelkeeper encourages everyone to take positive action for the environment in his or her own way. Actions can be as small as picking up litter from the sidewalk, amplifying an environmental message on social media, or supporting nonprofits doing meaningful work.
The point is, it’s time for concerted environmental action, and it’s up to each of us to do what we can to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds.
“Anyone and everyone can take positive action for the environment,” explained Penny Owens, Channelkeeper’s education and outreach director. “Every day, each of our contributions matters.”
Ready to get involved? Channelkeeper’s volunteer programs and community initiatives offer a variety of ways to make a difference on the South Coast and beyond.
From monitoring coastal marine protected areas (MPAs) to picking up litter with the Watershed Brigade or responding to the organization’s action alerts to pressure elected officials to take a stand for the environment, there are abundant opportunities for everyone to take positive local action.
Volunteers can walk designated sections of local beaches as MPA Watch surveyors and make note of the human activity within coastal marine protected areas, including Campus Point at UC Santa Barbara, Naples on the Gaviota coast and Kashtayit at Gaviota State Beach.
The data that volunteers collect informs the management and science of California’s marine protected areas and allows us to see how human uses are changing as a result of MPA implementation.
The program also supports compliance and enforcement efforts to ensure that MPA regulations are followed.
Monitoring surveys take under an hour, and volunteers can choose days and times that are convenient for their schedules.
“We decided to become MPA Watch volunteers because we are so happy to live in such a beautiful area and we want to give back in some small way,” Goleta residents Takeo and Tsvia Tabuchi said.
“We take note of how the beaches are being used and we are pleased that the data we collect will be useful in setting policy or help to develop strategies for preserving this valuable resource.”
Another way to do good for the environment is through cleanups by the Watershed Brigade, whose volunteers help keep the local environment clean by removing trash and debris from trails, creeks, rivers, urban areas and beaches.
Channelkeeper formed the Watershed Brigade during the COVID-19 pandemic — when recreational areas experienced increased visitation — as a grassroots community effort to remove litter left behind.
Since May 2020, Channelkeeper volunteers removed 8,183 pounds — four tons — of trash from 285 different sites along the South Coast.
It’s a fun activity linked to a monthly challenge — volunteers earn points that make them eligible for perks and prizes — and it feels good to do something positive for the environment while getting some exercise.
“For me, cleaning up trash with the Watershed Brigade is a rewarding way to have a positive impact on our environment,” volunteer Michele Drexler said. “It not only benefits our local coastline, but it also has an impact on the global issues caused by pollution.”
For some supporters, making a financial contribution is the best way to stand up for the environment. Through monetary donations these individuals strengthen and sustain water quality monitoring programs that help keep our waterways healthy, educational experiences that inspire local students, and environmental advocacy campaigns that will help ensure a clean water future for generations to come.
“My family and I love the ocean, as does everyone who lives here, I would suspect,” Channelkeeper board member Mimi de Gruy said. “There are many ways to help ensure a healthy watershed and we feel grateful to be able to offer financial support to environmental organizations.
“We know that we cannot sit back and think this area will remain healthy on its own.”
It’s up to each of us to do what we can to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and its vital watersheds — through volunteer activities, supporting environmental organizations, and taking steps each day to create positive change. In doing so, we’re taking responsibility for the health of our coastal community.
“The world is changing fast, and the need for science-based, community-oriented leadership is critical,” Channelkeeper board member Bruce Reitherman said.
“I appreciate the fact that Santa Barbara Channelkeeper stands at the front of this movement to protect the clean water resources that are fundamental to our enjoyment of this special place we call home.”
Click here for more information about Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. Click here to make an online donation.
— Laura Sanchez is Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s communications director.