Organizations helping to keep San Diego clean

Start your spring cleaning by helping the community

A group of people celebrating a successful cleanup through I Love a Clean San Diego.

Smile and say clean.

Photo via @iloveacleansd

Table of Contents

Spring is officially here, and if you’re in the mood to clean, don’t keep your excitement contained to your home.

Many local organizations offer events where you can pick up trash, help plants grow, and make new friends. So, get ready to get down and dirty as you help clean up the city.

I Love a Clean San Diego

Since 1954, this organization has been hosting events to keep San Diego trash-free and enhance the environment. It offers many community events, and on Earth Day — Saturday, April 22 — the group will host its 21st Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup Day with 100+ volunteer sites.

San Diego Coastkeeper

Want to keep the water clean? This organization is focused on using research, advocacy, education, and community engagement to protect our water sources. You can make a splash by attending a community cleanup or hosting an event.

Forever Balboa Park

There’s a lot growing on at this landmark park, and it takes a huge effort to keep it looking beautiful. If you’ve got a green thumb, consider looking into programs like Tree Stewards, Garden Stewards, or Rose Garden Corps.

Trees lining the streets to make a canopy in East Village, San Diego.

Trees offering a shady canopy in East Village.

Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

Tree San Diego

DYK? San Diego County is aiming to double its tree canopy by 2030. To help grow our urban forest, you can volunteer at events — or branch out and join the Tree Stewards program and become a resource for your neighborhood’s trees.

Surfrider Foundation San Diego

This nonprofit is working to protect our beaches and ocean by addressing trash, climate change, and plastic use. You can participate by joining a cleanup event or attending meetings around specific causes.

Psst. This is just a sample of the organizations keeping our city clean. If we missed one let us know. Also, check out 40 more local volunteer opportunities.

More from SDtoday
From charcuterie and margaritas to tacos and burgers, you’re going to score with this locally crafted spread.
The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center will serve as Cygnet Theatre’s new home, debuting just before fall 2025.
From downtown San Diego and Balboa Park to City Heights and Mira Mesa — there are many fun community celebrations of the Lunar New Year in 2025.
Dig into San Diego’s must-try pizza shops including unexpected combos, fancy offerings, and gluten-free options.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
To LA, with love — here’s how SD can help victims of the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles.
Whew, 2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year in America’s Finest City.
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or science fan, these 28 museums in San Diego have it all.
All of these writers have ties to America’s Finest City.
The biggest step in completing your New Year’s resolution? Show up.