News Summary
Newport Beach will hold its annual Coastal Cleanup Day, aiming to remove over 10,000 pounds of trash from Upper Newport Bay. This community event, organized by OC Parks and volunteers, encourages residents to help protect local wildlife and waterways affected by pollution. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, with 1,000 volunteers needed for the cleanup on a designated route around the bay. Attendees will receive commemorative t-shirts, emphasizing the importance of collective action for environmental conservation.
Newport Beach will host its annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, with a goal to remove more than 10,000 pounds of trash from the Upper Newport Bay area. This significant community event is organized by OC Parks, the Newport Bay Conservancy, and numerous local volunteers, aiming to protect coastlines and wildlife while cleaning up waterways impacted by pollution.
Coastal Cleanup Day is observed globally on the third Saturday of September, focusing on cleaning beaches and waterways. Last year, volunteers collected thousands of pounds of debris, and participants in Orange County are again joining forces to clean Upper Newport Bay, known as one of the largest estuaries in Southern California. Approximately 1,000 volunteers are needed for this year’s cleanup, which will take place across multiple mini-cleanup sites along the 11-mile loop surrounding the bay.
Volunteers will be assigned to various meeting locations, which will be communicated prior to the event, allowing for efficient organization and teamwork. Participants are advised to wear old clothing and closed-toe shoes, with tall or rubber boots strongly recommended for those who may work in wetter areas. Additionally, attendees should bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and are encouraged to bring gloves along with either a trash bag or bucket for collecting debris. As a token of appreciation, all volunteers will receive a commemorative t-shirt for their participation.
The main meeting point for the cleanup will be at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, located at 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Registration is open through Eventbrite, and local partners supporting the event include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of Newport Beach, Orange County Coastkeeper, Newport Aquatic Center, and Inside the Outdoors.
Significant rainfall this year has led to a notable increase in waste entering Upper Newport Bay, including single-use plastics and disposable masks that pose threats to local wildlife and habitats. Coastal Cleanup Day serves as a vital opportunity for residents and visitors to come together to tackle this environmental issue, emphasizing the relevance of collective action in preserving the natural beauty of the area.
The cleanup is not just for adults; families are encouraged to participate, with children aged six and older welcome to join with parental permission and supervision. This inclusivity highlights the event’s role in educating young people about environmental stewardship and fostering a sense of community responsibility towards local ecosystems.
Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Katrina Foley, has underscored the important economic and environmental impacts of the event, noting that one-third of the county’s tourism economy is directly connected to the ocean. By participating in Coastal Cleanup Day, volunteers contribute both to the upkeep of their environment and the well-being of the local economy.
Overall, Coastal Cleanup Day represents a significant local initiative aimed at engaging citizens in environmental conservation, promoting awareness about the importance of safeguarding coastlines, and enhancing the quality of life in Newport Beach and surrounding areas. Those interested in making a difference are urged to register and join the effort on September 20.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy
- Wikipedia: Coastal Cleanup
- LA Times – Coastal Cleanup Day
- Google Search: Coastal Cleanup Day Orange County
- Patch – Beach Cleanup Newport Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Cleanup
- OC Register – Coastal Cleanup Events
- Google Scholar: Coastal Cleanup Day
- LAist – Trash Found in LA Beaches
- Google News: Environmental Cleanup Events
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
