A perfect way to start the weekend — cleaning up a beautiful beach park and enjoying fresh air and service with fellow earth stewards from all walks of life.  In teams of three, we scour the rocks, sand, and trails for litter. McNear’s Beach in Marin County (near China Camp in San Rafael) is very popular, and space is limited. Contact Beach Captain Maeve Murphy to reserve your spot: maeve155@yahoo.com.

Special this year:  Pre-cleanup Meditation. Arrive at 8:30 am for a standing circle of silence to ground ourselves, honor the earth, and ceremonialize our intent for healing of the oceans.  Can’t stay for the clean-up?  That’s OK!  Join us in silence and in smiles on a lovely Bayshore spot.

The California Coastal Commission says: “Every year, on the third Saturday in September, people join together at sites all over California to take part in the State’s largest volunteer event, California Coastal Cleanup Day. In 2015, more than 68,000 volunteers removed nearly 1,143,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from California’s beaches, lakes, and waterways. Families, friends, co-workers, scout troops, school groups, service clubs, and individuals come together to celebrate and share their appreciation of California’s fabulous coast and waterways. The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by the Ocean Conservancy, the largest volunteer event on the planet!”

WHY ARE BEACH CLEAN-UPS IMPORTANT?
The Coastal Commission says: “Vast amounts of plastic debris litter the world’s oceans, causing all manner of harm, and most of this debris comes from land. Our beaches are collecting spots for trash from city streets and highways. Trash travels via inland waterways, storm drains, sewers, and on the wind, and eventually ends up on the coast. If not removed, this debris will end up in the ocean. Beach cleanups are a last line of defense — to prevent debris from causing harm to our oceans, to wildlife, to our coastal economies, and even to beach-goers (ouch!).” Learn more about marine litter.

Directions & other info:  For more inspiration and a map of McNear’s Beach, click here and then scroll down below the fold to see some uplifting facts on our collective work.  Below the headlines at the top, on the left side, is a search box.  Type in “McNears Beach,” and you will get a map of the area and other information.

What to bring:  Layers for changeable weather. Hat, sunglasses, and other sun protection. Sturdy, close-toed shoes.
Optional, if you have:  Gloves. Litter-picker. Old trash bag. Old bucket for carrying litter. Camera, to memorialize the event.