"Since our founding, the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) has removed more than 4 million pounds of trash from the San Diego River. Last year alone, staff and volunteers removed more than 240,000 pounds. This work is guided by twice-weekly field surveys that map the type, quantity, and location of pollution throughout the riverbed so cleanup efforts can be directed where they will have the greatest impact; as well as large-scale monthly community clean ups. On September 19, volunteers will participate in a large-scale cleanup and habitat restoration event at Mission Valley Preserve. Volunteers will remove trash and abandoned debris from the riverbed and surrounding habitat, including materials such as mattresses, blankets, tents, plastics, and other waste that can pollute waterways, degrade wildlife habitat, and create potential fire hazards. SDRPF typically removes an average of approximately 3,000 pounds of trash during a single community cleanup. Because more than 300 people are currently experiencing homelessness within the San Diego River watershed, SDRPF approaches encampment-related debris with compassion and care. Staff verify that encampments are abandoned before removing materials and ensure volunteers do not disturb areas that are actively in use. Removing accumulated trash improves water quality, protects native plants and wildlife, reduces combustible debris, and creates space for healthy vegetation to recover. In addition to the cleanup, volunteers will work alongside SDRPF conservation staff to conduct targeted invasive plant removal within Mission Valley Preserve. Depending on site conditions, volunteers may remove invasive species such as black mustard, wild radish, crown daisy, and other priority invasive vegetation identified by staff. This habitat restoration work will reduce competition for space and resources, allowing native vegetation to recover and improving the ecological resilience of the river corridor. Removal of invasive and potentially fire-prone vegetation, combined with the removal of combustible human-made debris, will also contribute to wildfire resilience within this urban open space. Anticipated measurable outcomes include the number of volunteers engaged, pounds of trash and debris removed, and square footage of invasive vegetation removed. Through this event, volunteers will directly improve the health, safety, and climate resilience of the San Diego River ecosystem while helping restore habitat for native plants and wildlife."