Beach Cleanups

Trash knows no boundaries . . . it is found on our beaches and can be carried to the ocean through our waterways! If you'd like to take direct action, this fun field activity demonstrates how community groups and individuals of all ages can make a difference in protecting our local marine environment and keeping our coastline free from harmful debris.

Trained SOS staff and volunteers lead cleanups with a brief presentation on the effects of trash on the  marine environment and ways that individuals can make choices in thier daily lives to reduce their contributions to marine debris.  Participants also help to collect valuable data on the types of debris and litter providing important clues to the nature and sources of trash and debris.

Save Our Shores provides garbage and recycling bags, rubber/latex gloves and marine debris information. Trash pickers, shovels and/or rakes can be provided upon request. Waiver forms must be signed by all participants; participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian signature as well. Click here to download and print a waiver form to bring with you. Waivers will also be available at the beach cleanup. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and wear sturdy, closed toe shoes, layered clothing and sunscreen.

Click here for a map of beach cleanup sites.

All volunteers are welcome at our periodic public beach cleanups.  To find out about upcoming public cleanups check out our calendar of events.  We also schedule "private" cleanups for groups, organizations or businesses. Please contact Emily at beachcleanup@saveourshores.org to request a beach cleanup for your group or specific supplies and tools.

Clean Beaches Coalition

Save Our Shores is a member of the Clean Beaches Coalition.  This Coaltion is a coordinated effort between several local non-profit organizations to  provide the public with a one stop shop for marine debris info and consistent beach cleanups. The Coalition engages students, civic organizations, corporate groups and individuals and families to remove marine debris from our beaches before it becomes a problem for marine life and our way of life. 

Member organizations are Save Our Shores, Surfrider Foundation, Pack Your Trash, and Ecology Action.

Each organization hosts their own cleanups and posts the cleanups to the Coalition's web Calendar of Events.  To visit the Coalition's website and register for a cleanup go to www.cleanbeachescoalition.org  The website also has a very informative, detailed map of beach and river cleanup sites across Santa Cruz County. 

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