Major Cleanup of Horse Trails in Tijuana River Valley at County Line

San Diego, CA, August 11, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Major cleanup of horse trails in Tijuana River Valley at County Line - 150 people expected to prevent plastics and tires from reaching ocean.

On August 13th, community members and hundreds of volunteers will join forces to help rid the Tijuana River Valley horse trails of plastics bottles, trash and tires. Please see this link for devastating photos of the area: http://www.flickr.com/photos/surfridersandiego/sets/72157625318995680/.

The Tijuana River Valley offers miles and miles of interconnecting hiking and horseback riding trails that run all the way to the beach. Year after year, winter rains wash down huge amounts of trash, sediment, tires and debris into the local Tijuana River Valley canyons. Factors such as the impact of the daily habits when combined with a lack of community awareness and engagement in a poor economy, increase the magnitude of the issue affecting the entire coastal U.S./Mexico border region. The dry summer season gives community members access to the devastated area to cleanup and see the environmental degradation this region faces.

“The Tijuana River Valley is nature’s filter that traps the trash before it reaches the Estuary and eventually the ocean. Most of the trash and plastics are hidden in the trees and horse trails of the river valley, sometimes reaching heights of 5 feet,” said Dan Murphy of the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, referring to the mountains of plastic bottles and bags. “The local community cares about the health and beauty of the Tijuana River Valley and Estuary and we will do whatever it takes to bring awareness to this serious issue.”

Through this family-oriented hands-on experience Surfrider Foundation hopes to bring awareness and educate the community on a bi-national issue that affects the health of all residents as well as the local economy. “When people see the effects of our society’s bad habits, it’s clear we should be banning single-use plastic bottles and bags,” he said. “Before we do that though, we have to first clean it all up.”

Various other local community groups and businesses are participating in the efforts including, Oceanforce Foundation, Tijuana River Valley Equestrian Association, WiLDCOAST, Suzie's Farm, Wild Willow Farm, and Longboard Cowboys. Suzie’s Farms is generously offering a $5.00 coupon for organic produce to participants. The coupon is valid at any Suzie’s Farmer Market stand, with locations throughout the county.

To participate, follow these directions: from the 5-South, take exit 4 - Coronado Avenue (not the Coronado Bridge) and continue straight (heading south) onto Hollister Street. As you reach the southern end of the first bridge, make an immediate right into the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park. Drive straight down the dirt road, past the Ranger Station and the Bird and Butterfly Garden, approximately ¼ mile until you reach the parking lot.

All attendees must wear working clothes such as long pants and closed toed shoes. Surfrider Foundation recommends bringing drinking water, sunscreen, and lots of energy. All minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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