This weekend, put down your folding chair and cooler and head to your local beach with gloves and garbage bags instead because Saturday is Coastal Cleanup Day, California’s largest annual volunteer event.
Last year, over 59,000 volunteers picked up 710, 781 pounds of trash across the state. That litter, mostly comprised of cigarette butts, disposable food containers, and plastic caps and lids, harms our $39 billion coastal economy and is a direct threat to the health and safety of humans and wildlife.
That’s why we need your help this weekend to make our waterways sparkle. See what your local California Waterkeeper has planned below and how to get involved. There may just be a cleanup right at your favorite beach or swimming hole!
While thousands will join local Waterkeepers and other partners to pick up litter this weekend, Coastkeeper Alliance continues policy work towards the goal of no trash at all in California waterways by 2030. After five years of advocacy, communities throughout California are developing trash reduction strategies and monitoring plans to reduce trash in our waters. Learn more about CCKA’s policy efforts to fight trash pollution.
Humboldt Baykeeper
In Partnership with the Wiyot Tribe and Humboldt State, 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. Arrowhead Water employees and families can also 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
Choose from more than 50 coastal and inland locations and help make a difference in your local community. Then join Coastkeeper and partners at one of multiple Trash Free Jamboree volunteer appreciation events hosted around the county.
Russian Riverkeeper
The Russian River Watershed Cleanup, now on its 30th year, is unique because it provides an opportunity to stop trash before it ends up on the beach. Join hundreds of volunteers at one of 27 sites between Ukiah and Jenner and see first-hand, the connections between the upper watershed and ocean.
San Diego Coastkeeper
San Diego Coastkeeper, in partnership 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 or you can choose from several other beaches in the area.
Yuba River Waterkeeper
The 20th annual Yuba River Cleanup features trash cleanups at 30 sites acorss the Bear and Yuba watersheds, as well as an invasive species removal restoration project and 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 beach some love on September 16. And for those that can’t make it on Saturday, still check out your local Waterkeeper to find cleanup and volunteer opportunities available year-round.
Communications Consultant Lola Dvorak supports CCKA’s strategic communications by helping waterkeepers tell their stories.
