CBU students document cleanup event for Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful

Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2018) – Members of the Environmental Science Club at California Baptist University helped document activities associated with a project coordinated by Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful (KRCB) on Sept. 29.

Thirteen CBU students took photos and conducted interviews for the Santa Ana River Watershed Cleanup Beautification Project that will be used in future social media campaigns for KRCB.

“Being on the social media team helped CBU students become connected with the community,” said Dr. Bonjun Koo, professor of environmental science and the Environmental Science Club advisor.

Through the process, students learned how the environment is important to others, Koo added.

The Environmental Science Club at CBU has a history of volunteering with KRCB. In 2016, KRCB initially requested help from CBU for its beautification projects, said Koo. Since then students have helped in various ways, including adopting Monroe Street to conduct monthly street cleanups.

Mariah Vertulfo, a global community science sophomore, was tasked with taking photos of the event and interviewing volunteers.

“It was thrilling to hear from passionate people as well as people who joined just for fun,” Vertulfo said. “There were many hard-working individuals that had their own stories, all inspired by the idea of helping the environment with their community.”

Maile Pang, a biology and environmental science junior, said she enjoyed meeting people who are enthusiastic about cleaning the environment. Pang said she joined the Environmental Science Club at CBU because she wants to help the environment.

“I am passionate about conserving biodiversity and protecting habitats, so this club really allows me to participate in volunteer events like the Santa Ana River cleanup,” Pang said.

The Environmental Science Club aims to connect students who share interests in the natural sciences, outdoor activities and sustainable biodiversity, Koo said.

“The club is committed to connecting students and the community with the common goal of enjoying and caring for God’s Creation through responsible stewardship,” Koo said.