Adopt-a-Beach Program

Pollution is one of the biggest threats to our ocean. Marine debris can injure or kill marine life through entanglement or ingestion. Every piece of plastic left in the marine environment can break down into microplastics, which can be eaten by any member of the food chain and even by humans. Removing debris from local beaches can reduce the hazard of debris to marine life and people. You can make a significant impact on the health of the ocean by adopting a local beach!

One of the essential aspects of our beach cleanups is data collection. During the cleanup, volunteers use a data card to record their findings. This information allows us to illustrate the marine debris problem in our educational program and is an essential tool in helping us determine focus areas for our pollution prevention programs.

  • We’ll expect you to:

    • Gather your group and clean the beach once per month, OR work with us to find a group to alternate with (e.g., cleaning every other month, just in summer or winter…). We ask for a one-year commitment if possible.

    • While at the beach, fill out data cards (provided) according to the trash you collect. Weigh the trash using the scale we’ll give you.

    • Bring the trash to a local dumpster or dump (or, in some cases, we’ve arranged for town or State pickup).

    • Coordinate cleanup dates with your group leader. Post your dates to our public cleanup calendar if you want us to.

    • Provide orientation to your volunteers before you begin your first cleanup, and be available for support throughout your service time.

    • Provide all supplies, including gloves, repurposed trash bags, a scale to weigh your trash, and data cards.

    • Information about marine debris issues. Share with others if you like!

    • Post about your commitment to a clean beach, provide media recognition, and signage at the beach if needed.

    • Determine who will be your group leader/contact person

    • Read our Adopt-a-Beach Handbook and share it with your group members.

    • Review the list of beaches available for adoption (below) and pick one!

    • Fill out an Adopt-a-Beach Application

    • Once we review your application, we’ll contact you to schedule your first cleanup. At that cleanup, we’ll do an orientation, provide supplies for several months’ worth of supplies, and be available to answer any questions.

  • Red beaches have already been adopted. Green beaches are available for adoption, and any unmarked beaches, too!

    BEACHES MAP