A Monthly Effort to Care for Santiago Creek Brings the Community Together

On the second Saturday of every month, local residents come together along Santiago Creek to take part in a hands-on cleanup led by the Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving, restoring, and enhancing the Santiago Creek watershed and its surrounding greenway.

Running from 9 to 11 a.m., the cleanup focuses on caring for the creek and its natural habitat through a mix of activities. Volunteers help pick up trash, pull weeds, remove invasive plants, water new seedlings, and — when conditions allow — plant new trees and shrubs along the creek corridor. The work is practical, approachable, and open to anyone who wants to help improve one of Orange’s natural spaces.

Cleanup locations vary each month depending on where help is most needed. Volunteers are encouraged to RSVP in advance to confirm the meeting spot and learn where along the creek the group will be working that day.

The monthly cleanup has become a steady opportunity for neighbors to give back, meet others who care about the environment, and make a visible impact in just a couple of hours. No special experience is required — just a willingness to show up and pitch in.

The Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance’s broader mission includes education, habitat restoration, and long-term stewardship of the creek and watershed, helping ensure that this natural resource remains healthy and accessible for future generations.

As Orange continues to grow, efforts like this help protect and restore the natural spaces that run through the city. The Santiago Creek Clean-Up is a reminder that small, consistent acts of care — done together — can make a lasting difference for our community and the places we share.