Beach Cleanup @ Cowell Beach for J: A Global Water Tribute to Dr. Wallace J. Nichols

Join us for a beach cleanup at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Wallace J. Nichols: marine biologist, ocean advocate, and author of the bestselling book Blue Mind.

​J, as he was lovingly known, passed away in June 2024. His work awakened millions to the profound emotional, cognitive, and spiritual benefits of water. A former board member and long time supporter of Save Our Shores, he always left people with the sentiment “I wish you water”. On July 23 we honor his message with a movement that spans coasts, continents, and hearts.

The beach cleanup will commence following a paddle out for J, to join the paddle out click here.

Pizza will be provided to volunteers (while slices last!) generously donated by Woodstock’s Pizza.

Beach Cleanup Details:

Register for the beach cleanup here.

Meet Up Location: Please meet us at the base of the stairs to Cowell Beach, on the right side of the wharf entrance.

Facilities & Accessibility: Restrooms and drinking fountains are available onsite. Metered parking in the lot is limited, surrounding streets have additional metered parking available, please plan accordingly.

How to Prepare for the beach cleanup:

• All volunteers must register to participate, register here.
• We recommend that all volunteers wear closed-toed shoes, dress in layers, wear sun protection, and bring a filled reusable water bottle. Save Our Shores encourages volunteers to avoid single-use plastics at our cleanups.
• All cleanup materials are provided, including buckets, grabbers, and gloves. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own.
• You can download the Save Our Shores Marine Tally App (Apple, Google) in advance of the cleanup and use it to record the debris you collect, or you can use the paper data cards that we will provide at the event.
• Every participant must complete a volunteer waiver. We will have waivers available at the event, however, participants are encouraged to complete this paperwork in advance to save time and bring it with you on the day of the event. Anyone under the age of 18 will require a parent or guardian’s signature on this document.
• Volunteers under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult (guardian) for the duration of the event.

If you have additional questions, please check our FAQ page.

Thank you to Woodstock’s for their generous donation of pizza to fuel up volunteers!