Environmental Stewardship at Coyote Hills Park

One of the most impactful activities our organization took part in was a community cleanup event at Coyote Hills Regional Park, a beautiful natural area by the San Francisco Bay, and home to diverse wildlife and plant species. This particular natural reserve had suffered from years of neglect, with litter and debris scattered throughout its trails, riverbanks, and scenic areas. The sight of plastic bottles, food wrappers, and discarded fishing lines was a stark contrast to the serene beauty that the reserve is known for. During the COVID pandemic, this remote park was took even more visitors in, since it was one of the few places people can take a walk outside without the face mask mandate. So was the accumulation of the trashes in the park. We knew we had to act.

Organizing the Event: Rallying the Community

After identifying the need for a cleanup at the reserve, we organized a volunteer event, gathering about 25 students and parents eager to make a difference. We partnered with the park’s management and local environmental groups, ensuring that we had all the necessary tools and safety equipment to conduct the cleanup efficiently. Armed with garbage bags, gloves, and trash grabbers, we set out on a sunny Saturday morning with a singular mission: to restore the natural beauty of the area.

The Cleanup: Hard Work, Big Impact

Our team split into smaller groups, each assigned to a different section of the reserve. Some volunteers tackled the hiking trails, where they carefully removed plastic waste without disturbing the surrounding vegetation. Others focused on the shoreline, where much of the debris had collected over time, polluting the water and endangering the wildlife that depended on it. We pulled out bags of trash, old tires, broken bottles, and even rusted pieces of metal.

One of the most eye-opening moments came when we encountered a family of ducks navigating the shore, their path littered with plastic waste. As we removed the trash piece by piece, we could see how our efforts directly impacted the health and safety of the animals living in the reserve. By the end of the day, we had collected dozens of bags of waste—enough to fill a pickup truck.

A Learning Experience: Environmental Awareness in Action

For the students who participated, this event wasn’t just about physical labor—it was an educational experience. We used the opportunity to talk about the importance of preserving natural habitats, the impact of pollution on wildlife, and how even small actions like properly disposing of trash can have a big effect. Our organization emphasizes that these hands-on experiences are the best way for young people to understand the urgency of environmental stewardship.

One of the volunteers, Edward, said it best: “It was so powerful to see how much trash we picked up in just a few hours. I used to think that my actions didn’t matter, but now I know that every little bit counts when it comes to protecting nature.”

The Result: A Renewed Natural Space

By the time the cleanup was finished, the transformation was stunning. The trails were clear, the riverbanks were free from litter, and the reserve felt like a sanctuary again. Local visitors to the Coyote Hills Park expressed their gratitude, noting how much more enjoyable their hikes and family outings would be now that the environment was cleaner and safer.

But the impact went beyond just one day. Many of the students who participated in the cleanup event were inspired to start environmental clubs at their schools, spreading awareness about the importance of keeping public spaces clean. Our organization also established a long-term partnership with the reserve’s management to conduct biannual cleanups, ensuring that the space remains protected for future generations.

Looking Ahead: Building a Culture of Environmental Responsibility

The success of this event underscored the power of community action. What started as a simple idea—a group of students and volunteers picking up trash—turned into a movement of environmental responsibility. We hope to expand these efforts to other natural spaces in the region, continuing to teach young people the value of protecting the planet.

This cleanup not only beautified the reserve but also left a lasting impact on everyone involved. Through activities like this, our organization continues to foster leadership, environmental stewardship, and a sense of responsibility toward the community and the world.