The Third Annual Pitch In All County Cleanup Day is set for May 9, inviting residents, families, schools, and organizations across Santa Cruz County to come together in a shared effort to keep the community clean and protect local ecosystems.
Organizers encourage participants to sign up in advance at pitchinsantacruz.org. Individuals and groups can register their cleanup efforts by providing contact information, estimated number of participants, and specific meetup details, including location, date, and time. Some groups are choosing to host cleanups in the days leading up to or following May 9, and all registered events will be posted online so others can join.
Participants are asked to include clear meetup locations to make it easy for volunteers to find and join cleanup efforts. For those still deciding where to help, the county has identified several “hot spots” in need of attention, particularly in inland areas that are often overlooked.
Recommended cleanup hot spots include Paulsen Road in Watsonville; Buena Vista, especially around the landfill area; Harkin Slough Road; Lakeview Road; Larkin Valley Road; Murphy Crossing; Ranport Road on the way to Buena Vista; San Andreas Road; Bear Creek; and Brommer Street. Organizers encourage volunteers to consider these areas where cleanup efforts can make a significant impact.
All volunteers are required to complete a participation waiver before joining a cleanup. Waivers should be collected and kept by organizers, with adults permitted to sign on behalf of minors.
To help track the collective impact, participants are also encouraged to download and complete a Data Card, recording totals from their cleanup. These results will be compiled by Save Our Shores and reported to both county and state agencies. A limited number of printed Data Cards will be available on a first-come basis.
Schools are invited to take part by organizing student-led cleanups on campus during the week leading up to May 9, helping build awareness and community involvement among young people.
A limited supply of cleanup tools, including pickers and Data Cards, will be available for participating groups. In Santa Cruz, supplies can be picked up at the Santa Cruz County Land Trust offices at 911 Center Street. In Watsonville, supplies will be available at the office of Supervisor Hernandez at 150 Westridge Drive. Participants will be asked to sign out equipment and return it after use.
Organizers also encourage volunteers to take photos of their cleanup efforts. Images of teams in action will be shared on the event website and social media. Photos can be submitted via email with the group’s name and location.
Above all, the event is designed to be both meaningful and enjoyable. By participating, volunteers help protect wildlife, prevent litter from entering local waterways, and contribute to the health of the Monterey Bay and beyond.
Organizations and businesses interested in showing their support can request a Pitch In logo by contacting the event team via email.
For more information or to sign up, visit pitchinsantacruz.org.