27th Annual International Coastal Clean-Up

Keepers of the Coast told Historic City News reporters in St Augustine that they are recruiting volunteers to participate in the 27th Annual International Coastal Clean-Up on Saturday, September 15.

This event is spearheaded by the global non-profit Ocean Conservancy with assistance from the local non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting coastal stewardship and the conservation of coastal habitat.

“We are very excited about this clean-up,” Outreach Coordinator for Keepers of the Coast, Aubrey Mulligan said. “There’s something very special about not only gathering in our community to help keep trash out of the ocean and waterways, but knowing that volunteers around the globe are doing the same thing at the same time.”

This community-wide effort will be held the morning of September 15, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Vilano Beach Boat Access Ramp located at 101 Vilano Causeway.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear cool clothing, and lots of sunscreen. Plan to spend the morning cleaning up the beach area, or bring your kayak or paddle board, and help clean-up waterways and Intracoastal areas.

Keepers of the Coast volunteers have successfully prevented over 100,000 cigarette butts from entering our oceans since 2007. According to Ocean Conservancy, “cigarette butts account for 32% of trash collected during this one-day effort.” Last year, 66 volunteers participated, and collected 2,905 cigarette butts, 150 pounds of recycling, and 75 pounds of trash.

Trash bags, data cards, gloves and bottled water will be provided. No pre-registration is required.

All participating volunteers will receive one free drink ticket at the Kingfish Grill located on Camachee Island, where we will be celebrating after the cleanup is complete at 11:30am.

There will be prizes for the volunteer who collects the most cigarette butts and the most trash.

For more information on how you can be involved and to learn more, please visit: http://keepersofthecoast.org/ and http://www.oceanconservancy.org, or call (904) 687-7694.