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How Creek Clean-Ups Change Us

Writer's picture: Jeweliette PearsonJeweliette Pearson

Before becoming a Volunteer Coordinator with KCCB, the only trash clean-ups I had participated in were on a beach. I remember how it felt to be a volunteer picking up trash left behind by other people and feeling the instant satisfaction when seeing my trash bag fill up. Knowing that I and the other volunteers were improving this coastal ecosystem and preventing trash from entering the ocean just a few meters away was rewarding, albeit a small action when considering how large scale the ocean litter problem really is.


After participating in a handful of KCCB's creek clean-ups, I've realized that they have an immediate positive impact on not only the riparian habitat, but on ourselves and our communities as well. Before I attended my first KCCB creek clean-up, I imagined us using the grabber tools to pick-up all kinds of litter scattered along the creek corridor and that it would be a pretty straight-forward, predictable, easy-peasy sort-of event. However, what I experienced was a version quite different than what I had imagined.

car parts in creek
Car parts dumped in the creek.

The thing about the clean-up sites that we work at along the Coyote Creek is that they've been managed poorly, which has allowed non-native and invasive species to spread rapidly. But, these sites have been a location for the unhoused communities to reside in. As a result, the creek is extremely polluted with everything you can imagine. The objects we find scattered in and alongside the creek corridor range from large pick-up trucks to small children toys. As a San Jose native, it breaks my heart to see what has become of this creek and the condition that it's in from being so neglected.


trash raft in creek
Trash polluting and damming the creek.

During the clean-up events, I'll stand alongside the creek and look down at the water flowing and see mallard ducks swimming around garbage in water that reeks of who knows what. I'll listen to the birds singing and look up into the trees to see them fly from one charred tree to another. The wildlife are doing their best to make do with what they have, despite all the destruction that's altered their habitat. This creek is more than just a work site for me, and it needs more people to care enough about it. When more people care about and feel connected to the land, they're more likely to want to help restore its natural beauty. When an ecosystem is restored and taken care of, it can in turn take care of us.

volunteer chain
Volunteers forming a line to carry collected trash up the trail.

I am always inspired when I see how many people take the time out of their day to join us at our events. I like to check-in with volunteers during the events to see how they're doing and to get to know them a little better. My go-to question is usually, "What brings you out here today?" The responses vary quite a bit. Most of the younger volunteers say they're completing service hours, families say they're spending time together outdoors while doing a good deed in the community. Other people are sometimes already involved in the environmental field and are participating because this a cause that they're passionate about. Sometimes volunteers are part of a corporate group and are team-building.

volunteers loading the garbage truck
Volunteers loading the garbage truck.

What my biggest takeaway has been from getting to know the people who come out to our events, especially creek clean-ups, is the sense of community felt at the end of the events. Like I mentioned before, Coyote Creek is no beach. The clean-ups may feel overwhelming at times because of how severe the damage is at our sites. However, seeing the strength and effectiveness of the community collectively working together to improve this ecosystem has changed the way I think about this work. I believe that as long as the community continues to show up, which they will, there will always be hope for a more beautiful Coyote Creek.


Clean cree
Coyote Creek is beautiful.

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Copyright ©2025 Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful.

5273 Prospect Rd #304, San Jose, CA 95129

408-372-7053 | info@keepcoyotecreekbeautiful.org

All rights reserved. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 82-1286610.

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