Bridging the Gap: River Cleanup & Habitat Restoration

Join us for the 14th Bridging the Gap River Beautification, a community cleanup and habitat restoration effort along the San Lorenzo River, taking place during Earth Month.

For the past seven years, Bridging the Gap has brought together volunteers, local organizations, and community members to care for the river that flows through the heart of Santa Cruz. Together, volunteers have removed over 8,000 pounds of trash, restored native habitat, and helped create a cleaner, healthier river corridor for wildlife and our community.

This event also marks the launch of the Santa Cruz Green Exchange, a new community initiative that connects environmental stewardship with support for local businesses.

Through the Green Exchange, volunteers helping restore the San Lorenzo River may receive Downtown Dollars or local business gift cards (up to $20) that can be used at participating downtown Santa Cruz businesses.

The idea is simple: Care for the river → support local businesses → strengthen the community.

During this event, volunteers will help with:

• Trash and recycling cleanup along the San Lorenzo River corridor

• Habitat restoration by removing invasive plants and supporting native ecosystems

• Strengthening the health of the river ecosystem and surrounding wildlife habitat

No experience is necessary. Families, friends, coworkers, and community groups are all welcome.

Date: Saturday, April 11 Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Meet-up Location: Yōso Wellness Spa 740 Front St., Suite 110 Santa Cruz, CA

We will gather at Yōso Wellness Spa at 9:30 AM, then head out to assigned river zones to begin cleanup efforts at 10:00 AM.

At the end of the event, volunteers will wrap up in their river zones for a trash weigh-in, followed by receiving Downtown Dollars or gift cards as a thank-you for helping care for our river.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• Hat
• Sunblock

Limited supplies will be provided. Please bring gloves for the clean up or trash pickers if you have your own. 

This event is co-led by

Jennalee Dahlen – Yōso Wellness Spa - BTG Co-Founder

Melissa Begin – Visit Santa Cruz County - BTG Co-Founder

Taylor Lahey – Children's Author & Community Organizer

In partnership with:

Coastal Watershed

Council Save Our Shores

• Helps restore healthy habitat by removing invasive plants

• Prevents trash from traveling downstream into the ocean

• Strengthens community connection to the San Lorenzo River

• Supports both environmental stewardship and local businesses

Every volunteer makes a difference.

We hope you’ll join us in showing the San Lorenzo River some love this Earth Month.

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