Volunteers Tackle Mangrove Pollution at Peacock Park Back-to-School Clean Up
by Eason Brohee
On Sept. 22, 2026, at Peacock Park, volunteers gathered for a Back-to-School Clean-Up focused on removing trash from the mangroves and the surrounding area. The event provided students and community members with an opportunity to contribute while learning about the environmental issues affecting the region.
Event organizer Sofia Bond explained that much of the trash found in the mangroves does not originate solely from individuals littering the area.
“The trash actually doesn't get here by people…The trash usually gets here through the currents and wind and wave energy, the way the bay is all set up,” said organizor Sofia Bond.
Bond stated that the layout of the area contributes to the accumulation of trash in the mangroves. However, with gloves, equipment and other supplies provided during the cleanup, volunteers were able to spend the day removing trash from the area while gaining insight into the importance of environmental stewardship.
“I enjoyed it a lot, especially because it's helping the environment,” said volunteer Lucas Barrerotacey.
For Lucas, making a difference does not always require a large event. He noted that the problem continues to grow, and while efforts like the cleanup are important, there is still much that individuals can do on their own.
“Because right now it's getting worse. So the least we can do is at least try to put it to a halt before restoring it,” said Lucas.
Bond stated that the primary objective of the event extended beyond the quantity of trash collected. She emphasized that the cleanup aimed to increase public awareness of the issue.
“It's unsafe for humans. It's unsafe for the surrounding wildlife and damages the mangroves that keep our city safe…It is huge for the internet, for the people of this city, and for the people who are directly involved…,” said environmentalist Mitchel Corteguera.
For some, the event might have been viewed as just another cleanup. However, for the organizers and volunteers who understand the impact of plastic pollution, it represented an opportunity to improve Peacock Park. Although the efforts at Peacock Park may not conclude with a single cleanup, for those who participated, it marked a beginning.
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