Online registration is open for participation in the Washington Coast Cleanup on April 23.
Volunteers can visit www.coastsavers.org and select from dozens of beaches to clean from the Long Beach Peninsula to the Olympic Peninsula.
“This is an opportunity to take part in a global effort to get trash off of our treasured beaches, including many state parks and the Olympic National Park,” said Jon Schmidt of Sequim, Washington CoastSavers coordinator.
“Be part of the solution to the pollution that is marine debris.”
Since 2007, volunteers have removed tens of tons of trash from the beach during the Washington Coast Cleanup, which occurs in April every Earth Day weekend, Schmidt said.
In 2015 alone, 1,500 volunteers removed more than 19 tons of debris from beaches, he added.
To sign up, go to www.coastsavers.org, which has information on how to register, what beaches will be cleaned, where to camp and special offers for cleanup volunteers.
Other ways to help
Those who can’t participate but who want to contribute can donate funding.
One dumpster costs about $1,000 to rent and dispose of the trash once it’s filled.
The Washington Coast Cleanups typically involve renting at least 10 dumpsters for every event.
Volunteers who aren’t physically able to carry filled bags off the beach can participate by serving as registration station beach captains and assisting with registering volunteers.
Inaugural fundraiser
On April 9, Washington CoastSavers will host its first-ever fundraiser, “An Evening of Ocean Art, Adventure and Music.”
It will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Mountaineers Club House at 7700 Sand Point Way N.E. in Seattle.
Tickets at the door are $25 for adults and $15 for children 17 and younger and students with ID. Advance tickets are available through the CoastSavers’ website.
The evening will feature a live and silent auction for ocean-themed art and coastal experiences, as well as the music of the surf rock band The Echo Devils.
Some of the donated items being auctioned include a guided fishing trip for two out of Sekiu, a sailing trip around the San Juan Islands, a two-night stay at a cabin at the Lost Resort near Lake Ozette and a one-night stay in a Kalaloch Cabin and breakfast for two in Creekside Restaurant.
Alaskan Brewing Co. is a new sponsor of CoastSavers, and its beer will be available for sale, with proceeds to benefit the Washington Coast Cleanup.
“It’s not every day you can support clean beaches by enjoying a cold beer,” Schmidt said.
CoastSavers alliance
Washington CoastSavers is an alliance of partners and volunteers dedicated to keeping the state’s beaches clean of marine debris.
Founding members of CoastSavers include representatives of Surfrider Foundation, Lions Club International, Discover Your Northwest, Grass Roots Garbage Gang, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Olympic National Park, NOAA Marine Debris Program, the Mountaineers, Lions Club International and the state Parks and Recreation Commission.
“Washington State Parks is proud to be part of CoastSavers,” said Don Hoch, parks director.
“The annual coastal cleanup is one of the most inspiring events we participate in each year.”
