California Coastal Cleanup Day, an annual event where people gather in communities to stop trash before it hits the ocean, returns this weekend with events throughout Orange County.
The campaign dates back to 1984, when Oregon resident Judy Neilson raised concern over the number of plastics found along her state’s beaches, organizing the “Plague of the Plastics” event that year. Following suit the next year, the California Coastal Commission declared its first Coastal Cleanup Day and has attracted 1.6 million volunteers since who have cleared 26 million pounds of trash. The event attracted so many people the Guinness World Records recognized it as the “Largest Garbage Collection” in 1993.
Californians will again celebrate Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 21. There are dozens of cleanups planned, here’s a sample of a few locally where volunteers can participate.
Unless otherwise noted, the cleanups start at 9 a.m. and go until about noon; most organizers will provide bags and gloves. Bringing water bottles, hats and sunscreen are encouraged.
Brea Creek Channel
The city of Brea will host a cleanup from 7 to 11 a.m.; meet at the Brea Creek Channel at 175 S. Madrona Ave. Volunteer check-in will take place on the lower level of the downtown parking structure, adjacent to the channel.
Descanso Park, San Juan Capistrano
The city of San Juan Capistrano will hold a cleanup at Descanso Park, 32506 Paseo Adelanto. Park at City Hall or Paseo Adelanto, not on private property.
Dana Point Harbor/Ocean Institute
Stand Up to Trash will host a beach gathering that includes not just a cleanup, but free yoga in the grass at Baby Beach starting at 8 a.m., followed by collecting trash from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and then a “Lunch and Learn” at the Ocean Institute from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Speaker Anthony Ricchio from “Water is The Way to Unity” will give a talk about microplastics and the amount that are found in plastic bottles, the effect it has on our health, how chemical cleaners can be replaced and issues created with domoic acid blooms that affect our wildlife.
Arrive early to use a kayak or stand-up paddleboard courtesy of Westwind Sailing for an on-the-water cleanup. Fresh coffee, hot chocolate and donuts will be provided by Coffee Importers.
Doheny State Beach and San Juan Creek Watershed
The city of Dana Point and California State Park will host a cleanup event at Doheny State Beach and the San Juan Creek Watershed, at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive. Mention the cleanup at the entrance to receive a parking pass that lasts until 12:30 p.m.
Huntington City Beach
Meet at 21579 Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach for a beach cleanup or at Bartlett Park, 19822 Beach Blvd. The city will provide free parking to all participants, but they must register first and sign a liability waiver on the city’s website, huntingtonbeachca.gov.
Huntington State Beach
Orange County Coastkeeper’s flagship cleanup will be at Huntington State Beach, meet at Tower 8. There will be a sustainability fair with a live DJ and booths from Eco Gloves, SurfScripts, Environmental Nature Center, OC Conservation Corps and Earthwise Packaging.
Upper Newport Bay
Instead of having all the volunteers start at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center as previous years, a dozen “mini” cleanup sites will dot the 11-mile bay this year, including at the Interpretive Center, Newport Aquatic Center, Big Canyon, Vista Point, Jamboree Bridge and more.
This gathering usually draws about 1,000 people and has a goal of removing 10,000 pounds of trash. Information and to reserve a spot after which you will get more information: newportbay.org. Boots are suggested.
Main Beach, Laguna Beach
The Laguna Ocean Foundation and the city of Laguna Beach Police Department are teaming up for a cleanup at Main Beach. There will be educational activities and information from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, Laguna Beach Garden Club, the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and more. Coffee will be provided by Jedidiah Coffee.
Santa Ana Gardens
The city will host a cleaning event at the Santa Ana Gardens Channel at Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave., Santa Ana.
T-Street Beach
The city of San Clemente will host a clean-up event that begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at noon. It will take place at T-Street Beach, meet next to the concession stand at 339 W. Paseo De Cristobal. There is on-street and ocean-facing parking, but no parking lot. Parking is also available at the pier with a short stroll south on the beach trail.
Yorba Park, Orange
The Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance is hosting a cleanup event that starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 11. Participants will meet at Yorba Park, 190 S. Yorba St..
For more locations and more information on these events and to see if early registration is needed, go to: coastkeeper.org/cleanup-day.
