From local shorelines to urban streets, volunteers across from across the region have helped the Watershed Brigade reach an inspiring milestone—removing over 50,000 pounds of trash from our environment.
Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade, a community-powered initiative focused on tackling pollution and protecting water resources, is celebrating a major victory in its ongoing mission to keep our watersheds clean and healthy. Since its inception in 2020, this community cleanup program has empowered 2,067 volunteers from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to take direct action against trash and marine debris. Now, thanks to thousands of hours of service and unwavering community support, the Watershed Brigade has officially surpassed 50,000 pounds of trash collected and removed.
A Hands-On Approach to Change
More than just a cleanup crew, the Watershed Brigade blends environmental action with education and advocacy. Volunteers aren’t just picking up litter—they’re learning about the systems and behaviors that contribute to pollution and working together to create solutions.
“Every cleanup is an opportunity to connect people to their environment,” said program leader Veronica Moran. “Our volunteers see the impact of pollution up close, and they come away empowered to make change—not just on cleanup days, but in their daily lives.”
More Than Just Numbers
The 50,763 pounds of trash collected during the group’s 1,803 cleanups include thousands of plastic bottles, cigarette butts, lobster traps, food wrappers, tires, and other debris that would have otherwise harmed wildlife, contaminated waterways, and degraded public spaces.
This milestone is also a symbol of collective impact, with the program uniting hundreds of volunteers around a shared goal of environmental stewardship.
Education, Advocacy, and Momentum
One of the strengths of the Watershed Brigade lies in its three-pronged approach: volunteerism, education, and advocacy. Events often include workshops or briefings about local water issues, recycling best practices, and policy advocacy efforts. By fostering understanding and action, the program is building a community of informed environmental champions.
And the work is far from over.
“This milestone is just the beginning,” says Moran. “It shows what’s possible when people come together with purpose. With every cleanup, we’re not just removing trash, we’re building a movement.”
Join the Brigade
As the Watershed Brigade looks toward its next 50,000 pounds, the call to action is clear: Get involved. Whether it’s participating in a local cleanup or spreading awareness about the impacts of trash on the environment, there are myriad ways to take action.
To learn more about the Watershed Brigade, find upcoming events, or organize a cleanup, visit sbck.org/brigade or follow @Watershedbrigade on Instagram.
Our next cleanup event takes place on Saturday, July 5th, from 9 am to 11 am at four locations along Santa Barbara’s waterfront. Watershed Brigade volunteers will partner with the City of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront Department to clear these areas of trash resulting from the July 4th holiday. Sign up here.