Volunteers are needed for Oakland's 17th annual "Creek to Bay Day" from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 15. Volunteers will pick up trash, remove invasive plants, plant California native species and clean up creek beds, and beautify Oakland's creeks, Lake Merritt and Oakland's Estuary.

And in San Leandro, there also will be a shoreline cleanup from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 15. Volunteers can join the cleanup effort from one of two staging areas: the Monarch Bay Drive Bridge (at the end of Marina Park) and the Heron Bay entrance to the shoreline trail at the end of Lewelling Boulevard. The Heron Bay entrance is a drop-off only site, and no parking is available.

The events are part of the annual California Costal Cleanup Day, sponsored by the California Coastal Commission.

Groups of all ages are welcome. All volunteers will receive a reusable tote bag while supplies last as well, and those at the Oakland event will be given a Chinook Book, a green coupon booklet that supports Bay Area businesses.

High school students taking part in the San Leandro cleanup will be issued certificates of community service.

For more information, including volunteer locations, about the Oakland cleanup, go to www.oaklandcreektobay.org. In San Leandro, for more information or to volunteer, contact Marina Manager Delmarie Snodgrass at 510-577-3490.