Who is ready for the Coastal Cleanup?
History
The International Coastal Cleanup began more than 30 years ago, when communities rallied together with the common goal of collecting and documenting the trash littering their coastline. The movement was catalyzed by the passion and spirit of two committed individuals. Back in 1986, Linda Maraniss moved to Texas from Washington, DC, where she had been working for Ocean Conservancy. She’d been inspired by the work her Ocean Conservancy colleague Kathy O’Hara was doing on a groundbreaking report called Plastics in the Ocean: More than a Litter Problem that would be published the next year.
Linda and Kathy reached out to the Texas General Land Office, local businesses and other dedicated ocean-lovers, and planned what would become Ocean Conservancy’s first Cleanup. They asked volunteers to go beyond picking up trash and record each item collected on a standardized data card in order to identify ways to eliminate ocean trash in the future.
The Cleanup has grown immensely in the 30 years since Linda and Kathy’s first Cleanup. Volunteers from states and territories throughout the U.S. and more than 100 countries come together each year and participate in a Cleanup event.!
KCB has been involved for over 20 years! Last year we were very excited that the Coastal Cleanup in Charlotte County brought out 467 volunteers, who spent 893 hours cleaning up 4,530 lbs. of marine and waterway debris and then Hurricane Ian hit. Many folks in our community have spent hours and hours trying to remove all of the hurricane debris and as we all know, it is a long process! We have made so many friends along the way and we are looking forward to continuing to work together to bring our shoreline and waterways back to their pristine condition!
Event Details
Where: Beaches, canals, ponds, and waterways throughout the county
Please note! Approximately 80% of litter that is on our roads, ends up in our waterways. Please consider other areas for cleanup than just our beaches! Roadways near canals are great places to start!
When: Our official date will be September 16th or choose a date your friends and family prefer!
Time: On September 16th from 8 am to noon.
Who: Anyone who can pick up litter or help beautify our community!
Fee: This is a free community event open to everyone!
The first 800 to register will get a free t-shirt!
Locations will be added as they come onboard!
September 16th
Downtown Bait and Tackle Postponed till March
Stump Pass State Park 7:30 - noon 900 Gulf Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223
Englewood Beach (Pavillion near the Basketball Courts) 8:00 - noon 1815 Gulf Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223
Ponce De Leon Park 9:00 - 11:00 3400 Ponce De Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
October 21st
Charlotte Harbor/Gasparilla Sound West Wall Part 3 (Ian Cleanup of Mangroves)
Sponsorships available-$100 gets your logo on the back of the shirt. Logos due by August 15th.
The Fine Details
KCB will provide safety and collection supplies for your cleanup. Pick up will be by appointment!. Email Rhonda.Harvey@charlottecountyfl.gov. if you have any questions.
Cleanup reports need to be turned in within one week of your cleanup. We can’t brag on what you did, if you don’t send in your reports.
