Because each one of us lives in a watershed, we all share the responsibility of protecting water quality in our creeks and the ocean. Below are some ideas for activities that school groups, community groups and families can do to improve water quality and raise awareness about water pollution and watershed health.

Plan a creek cleanup
Help remove trash from creeks before it makes its way to the ocean. To join a planned cleanup effort or for help in planning your own cleanup event, call (805) 568-3546.

Devereux Creek Clean Up 2008

Monitor water quality
Measure and record indicators of water quality in your local creek. To obtain a water testing kit and instruction on how to use it, call (805) 568-3546. School groups may be eligible to receive a kit and instruction as part of the Creek Kids series.

Learn more about water pollution and what you can do
Invite a speaker to talk to your group or neighborhood about water pollution. Call (805) 568-3546 to schedule a speaker.

Read stories and watch videos about water pollution
Illustrated books and videos on water pollution topics are available on loan from Project Clean Water at (805) 568-3546 and Art From Scrap at (805) 884-4059 ext. 16.

Read and distribute water pollution prevention information
Read Project Clean Water brochures like Creekside Concerns, A Dog Owner's Duty, and Gardener's Guide to Clean Water. To hear more about available materials such as the Santa Barbara County Creek Care Guide and to obtain free copies of brochures for your group, call (805) 568-3546.

Attend community events
Festivals focused on environmental health are held in Santa Barbara County at various times throughout the year. The Earth Day festival is held in April, and Creek Week occurs in October. In September, volunteers are needed for California Coastal Cleanup Day. Check the Project Clean Water homepage for upcoming Santa Barbara County community events.

Earth Day 2008