California Coastal Cleanup Day may be the largest marine-related volunteer event in the world. Last year’s slogan was “Help make trash extinct”! You can help reach this goal and contribute to citizen science while enjoying a day of fresh air and heart-filled service to the environment . . . and who doesn’t love beach-combing?
Where:
1. Marin County. McNear’s Beach, 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael, a lovely bayside park overlooking the northern bay.
2. East Bay. Next to the Emeryville Fire Station at 2333 Powell St., across from the Watergate Market.
When: Sat, Sep 20, 9am – noon. Cleanup starts with a brief orientation and safety talk. Come early even if you can’t stay the whole three hours.
McNear’s Beach includes about one mile of shoreline, and is a relatively well-cared-for beach, but in 2012 we still managed to collect 91 pounds of trash and 6 pounds of recyclables! More about McNear’s Beach here.
Emeryville coordinator Marcy Greenhut promises free refreshments, raffle prizes, and chair massage, provided by local businesses! More about Emeryville cleanup here.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
- Hat and other sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (no single-use plastic, please!)
- Jacket in case of wind
Also bring your own reusable supplies if possible, to help cut down on waste and save funds. This could mean a bucket, trash bags, and gloves if you have.
Directions to McNear’s: Drive out Point San Pedro Road from central San Rafael; signs will show you the park entrance. Tell the ranger you’re volunteering with the beach cleanup, then park at the far (northerly) end of the lot. We’ll be at the picnic tables by the snack bar. Beach captain: Maeve Murphy (455-9577). Click here for a map. Please consider biking, public transport, or carpooling to the site with your friends. Volunteers who drive to the cleanup can park for free (the normal weekend fee is $10 per car); just tell the rangers at the entrance that you’re a CCC Day volunteer.
You are invited to the Bay Model in Sausalito for an after-cleanup barbecue. To prevent waste, please BYO plate, cup, and eating utensils as only throw-aways are provided.
There are scores of locations around the Bay Area. More information and additional sites listed by the California Coastal Commission here: California Coastal Cleanup Day.