On Saturday, September 15, swap out your folding chairs for garbage bags and hit the beach for California Coastal Cleanup Day, the largest annual volunteer event in the U.S.
Last year, more than 66,000 volunteers picked up almost 840,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from their local waterways across the state. This litter, mostly comprised of cigarette butts, food containers, and bottle caps and lids, clogs our waterways, harms wildlife, and contributes to a growing marine debris problem.
Coastal Cleanup Day is about more than picking up trash. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together to demonstrate its desire for clean water and healthy marine life and to accomplish something vital and worthy on behalf of our environment.
See what your local California Waterkeeper has planned and how to get involved below.
Humboldt Baykeeper
In Partnership with the Wiyot Tribe and Humboldt State University, Baykeeper is hosting a Cleanup at Indian Island. No gear or experience to make the paddle out to the island? No problem. RSVP for free and get everything you need including kayak, life vest, wetsuit, and experienced guide.
Inland Empire Waterkeeper
Visit one of several inland sites coordinated by partner Orange County Coastkeeper or get involved in the Crest to Coast cleanup.
Los Angeles Waterkeeper
The Dockweiler State Beach Cleanup, in partnership with the Coastal Commission and Heal the Bay, will take place both above and below the water. Stay dry while you tidy the beach or bring your dive gear and get wet!
Orange County Coastkeeper
Join over 7,000 OC volunteers from more than 50 coastal and inland locations and help make a difference in your local community.
Russian Riverkeeper
The Russian River Watershed Cleanup, now on its 31st year, is unique because it provides an opportunity to stop trash before it ends up on the beach. Join hundreds of volunteers and see first-hand, the connections between the upper watershed and ocean.
San Diego Coastkeeper
San Diego Coastkeeper has partnered with the Surfrider San Diego Chapter, has volunteer cleanup opportunities available at more than 100 sites across the county and expects thousands of community members to get involved.
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
Channelkeeper will lead a clean-up at West Beach in Santa Barbara, or you can join various other cleanups in Santa Barbara County.
Yuba River Waterkeeper
The 21st annual Yuba River Cleanup features trash cleanups and ecology restoration at over 30 sites across the Yuba watershed, as well an afternoon volunteer appreciation bash.
None of those seem like the best fit? See a statewide map to find a site near you and show your favorite waterway some love on September 15. And for those who can’t make it on Saturday, still check out your local Waterkeeper to find cleanup and volunteer opportunities available year-round.
Associate Director Natalie Caulk provides operational leadership and manages the ongoing implementation of programs and partnerships of CCKA.
