COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 2023
Santa Barbara County
Join Us
Thank you for being part of the solution to ocean pollution and for protecting the coast on Coastal Cleanup Day. Clean up on Saturday, September 23rd or anytime during the month.
All participants who pre-register will be automatically entered into our prize drawing!
2022 Coastal Cleanup Day Results
Coastal Cleanup Day
Become Part of the Solution to Ocean Pollution
Isn’t it time to show your favorite beach or creek some love?
Join us for Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23rd!
The largest volunteer effort in California, Coastal Cleanup Day is our day to give back to the ocean, beaches, and creeks that make Santa Barbara County such a wonderful place to live. Get outside, enjoy nature, and remove marine debris from our beaches and waterways.
Volunteers of all ages can participate at any of the 2023 cleanup sites. Pre-registration is not required, but is encouraged. Everyone who registers will be entered in to a drawing to win some awesome prizes! To register, click here.
Each site will have a captain on hand to provide necessary instructions and supplies. Please bring your own gloves, buckets, and other reusable cleanup supplies to lessen the plastic footprint of this event. If you don’t have any, we will have plenty of cleanup materials for everyone.
Everyone who participates in the cleanup will fill out a waiver- you can do this on the day of the event, download a waiver and bring it with you, or sign an electronic waiver online. Once the waiver is complete, you’ll receive an email with your completed form. Please save the email and show it to your cleanup site leader at the start of Coastal Cleanup Day.
Link to the Waivers:
English: https://us.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/a786e1bea5d95939960512ee3a1d2851
Spanish: https://us.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/226153493a8820cafc5ca8e4de9043bf
Waiver to download and bring with you:
Spanish (coming soon)
If you can’t make the cleanup on the 23rd, we encourage you to cleanup any time during the month of September. Be sure to record your data using the Clean Swell app and your cleanup will be included in Coastal Cleanup Day! Make sure to allow location services and add Explore Ecology as your group name. If you prefer, you can log your data onto our Google Form.
Coastal Cleanup Day is brought to you by Explore Ecology and our partner the County of Santa Barbara Resource Recovery and Waste Management, with support from the Cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Solvang. The California Coastal Commission organizes the statewide event and the international event is organized by the Ocean Conservancy.
Be sure to Like Coastal Cleanup Day on Facebook and Instagram to get event updates.
Get Involved
VOLUNTEER
Coastal Cleanup Day is made possible because of volunteers like you. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate at any of the 2023 cleanup sites. To register, click here.
Each volunteer needs to sign a liability waiver before they can start the Cleanup. Beach Captains will have waivers for you to fill out.
This year, the Coastal Commission also has electronic waivers. After you fill out the waiver online, you will receive an email confirming that your waiver is complete. You can print this up and bring it with you or you can show the Site Captain your electronic waiver email confirmation on your phone.
Electronic Waivers in English and Spanish:
English: https://us.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/a786e1bea5d95939960512ee3a1d2851
Spanish: https://us.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/226153493a8820cafc5ca8e4de9043bf
SUBMIT YOUR DATA
During Santa Barbara County Coastal Cleanup Day, everyone will be using paper tally sheets this year. This will help us to improve the accuracy of our data reporting.
If you can’t attend Coastal Cleanup Day or just want to clean up throughout the month, you can download the CleanSwell app to submit data all month long which will be counter towards our CCD totals: https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/cleanswell/
When you use Clean Swell, please turn on your location services and write in Explore Ecology as the group name. Clean Swell will instantaneously upload to the Ocean Conservancy’s global ocean trash database. These data deliver a global snapshot of ocean trash, providing researchers and policy-makers insight to inform solutions.
You can submit data all month long for any cleanups you do during the month of September.
Please send any photos you take at the cleanup to Jill or tag us on Instagram (@exploreecology) and Facebook (@SBCoast) using the hashtags #coastalcleanupday and #coastalcleanup.
Thank you for participating in Coastal Cleanup Day 2023!
Download the Clean Swell App
App Store and Google Play
Locations
The following locations are registered to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day 2023. Click on the location you are interested in to sign up, find out where to meet, and get parking information.
Click Here for a map of the current cleanup locations. Check back often as updates will be made as they become available.
Santa Barbara Cleanup Sites
Arroyo Burro (Hendry’s) Beach:
Meeting Place: Steps leading to the beach.
Site Captain: Explore Ecology Staff
Organization: Explore Ecology
Parking: Public parking lot at beach site. Free, no permits necessary.
Special Directions: Be aware that unleashed dogs may be present during the cleanup. Beach can accommodate large groups. High tide may adjust areas of cleanup. Cleanups can include the beach, the parking lot, or the open spaces surrounding Arroyo Burro.
Accessibility: Bathrooms and drinking water available on site, Stairs or other difficult terrain required to access the beach. Handicap parking spots. There is an MTD bus stop close by. There are sand-friendly beach wheelchairs available free-of-charge on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Butterfly Beach:
Meeting Place: Channel Dr, across the street from the Biltmore Hotel in Montecito.
Site Captain: Pyp Pratt and Paul Pratt
Organization: Midland School
Parking: Any legal space on streets near Butterfly Beach. No permits or payments needed.
Accessibility: Stairs or other difficult terrain required to access the site. Handicap parking spots.
East Beach (Chase Palm):
Meeting Place: Garden Street/Chase Palm Park Beach area
Site Captain: Dylan Otte and Tessa Cafritz
Organization: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Sea Center
Parking: There is free street parking and paid parking in the Chase Palm Park parking lots. Parking will be free in any City of Santa Barbara parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when displaying a Coastal Cleanup Day volunteer parking lot voucher. This parking pass may be obtained from one of the beach captains. Walking or biking to the site is encouraged.
Special Directions: There may be other events occurring at this site during Coastal Cleanup Day. Please be respectful and give other beach users their space. Beach can accommodate large groups.
Accessibility: Bathrooms. Handicap parking spots. The approach to the beach is not long or difficult. There are public restrooms nearby.
East Beach (Volleyball Courts):
Meeting Place: East Beach near the Volleyball Courts
Site Captain: Spenser Jaimes
Organization: Syuxtun Tomols
Parking: Parking will be free in any City of Santa Barbara parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when displaying a Coastal Cleanup Day volunteer parking lot voucher. This parking pass may be obtained from the beach captain. Walking or biking to the site is encouraged.
Special Directions: There may be other events occurring at this site during Coastal Cleanup Day. Please be respectful and give other beach users their space. Beach can accommodate large groups.
Hammond’s/Miramar Beach/Fernald:
Meeting Place: Stairs near the access area, off of Eucalyptus Lane.
Site Captain: Allison Armstrong, Blair Butler
Organization: Laguna Blanca School
Parking: Limited street parking is available. All Saints-by-the-Sea (83 Eucalyptus Lane) is kind enough to let us use their parking lot for parking for this event. Directions are to use the East Lot by the school (left side of Eucalyptus Lane past the church). Otherwise, walking or biking to the site is encouraged. Limited street parking is available.
Special Directions: High tide may reduce cleanup area.
Leadbetter Beach:
Meeting Place: The picnic area west of the Shoreline Café 801 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Site Captain: Maryse Suppiger and Henry Eckold
Organization: Dudek
Parking: Parking will be free in any City of Santa Barbara parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when displaying a Coastal Cleanup Day volunteer parking voucher. This parking pass may be obtained from the beach captain. Walking or biking to the site is encouraged.
Special Directions: Be aware of any other events occurring at the beach. Beach can accommodate large groups.
Accessibility: There are 6 Handicap parking spots in the Leadbetter West Parking Lot. The difficulty of approach is easy. There are public bathrooms. Drinking water available onsite.
Oak Park:
Meeting Place: TBA
Site Captain: Eddie Harris
Organization: Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council
Parking: A free parking lot next to the park and street parking.
Special Directions: There may be parties going on at the park. Please be mindful of any events going on.
Accessibility: There are public bathrooms and handicapped parking onsite.
Sandspit Beach, Harbor, and Parking Lot:
Meeting Place: West Side of Santa Barbara Yacht Club Parking Lot towards boat yard. Please park in the City of Santa Barbara Parking Lot. Look for Sign-In tents and tables. (Marked by the Yellow Square in Photo) Click Here for Photo
Site Captains: Andra Escola and Allison Fox
Organization: Santa Barbara Yacht Club and Paddle Sports Center
Parking: Parking will be free in any City of Santa Barbara parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when displaying a Coastal Cleanup Day volunteer parking voucher. This parking pass may be obtained from the beach captain.
Special Directions: Site captains will provide tables for check in and refreshments at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club parking lot.
Accessibility: There are Handicap parking spots. The difficulty of approach is easy. There are public bathrooms.
Shoreline Park:
Meeting Place: Shoreline Dr and Santa Rosa Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Please meet at the staircase leading to the beach.
Site Captains: Dawn Brews and Darren Brews
Organization: Crane Country Day School
Parking: There are two parking lots in the park and plenty of parking on nearby neighborhood streets. Dogs are allowed on-leash at Shoreline Park and off-leash on the beach west of Shoreline Park Staircase.
Accessibility: Bathrooms and drinking water available on site. Handicap parking spots. Stairs or other difficult terrain required to access the site.
West Beach:
Meeting Place: West end of the beach by the bike path across the street from Chad’s Cafe at 216 W Cabrillo Blvd.
Site Captain: Veronica Moran
Organization: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
Parking: At the Harbor Parking Lot. Parking will be free in any City of Santa Barbara parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when displaying a Coastal Cleanup Day volunteer parking voucher. This parking pass may be obtained from the beach captain. Walking or biking to the site is encouraged.
Special Directions: Beach can accommodate large groups.
Accessibility: Bathrooms and handicap parking spots.
Lompoc
Jalama Beach:
Meeting Place: Picnic tables by the horseshoes pits.
Site Captain: Iwa Lani Martinson and Linda Martinson
Organization:
Meeting Place: Near playground.
Parking: Park near playground, entry fee waived. Volunteers may park for free in the lot from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by displaying/presenting a volunteer Coastal Cleanup Day parking pass, which may be obtained from the beach captain.
Accessibility: There are four handicapped parking spots with one close to the beach entrance. Medium approach. There is a bathroom. Beach wheelchairs are available at this site.
Special Directions: High tide may reduce beach cleanup area.
Carpinteria/Summerland
Carpinteria Creeks:
Meeting Place: Franklin Creek Park on Sterling Avenue, Carpinteria CA 93103
Site Captain: Lindsay Erdmann
Organization: City of Carpinteria
Parking: Ample street parking.
Special Directions: Please wear closed toed shoes, hat, sunscreen and bring your own buckets, gloves, and water.
Accessibility:Bathrooms and drinking water available on site.
Carpinteria State Beach:
Meeting Place: End of Linden Avenue at Carpinteria State Beach-look for the concrete tables.
Site Captain: Ed Bell and Rowina Bell
Organization: Buena Onda Empanadas
Parking: There is plenty of free 90 minute street parking on Linden Ave or a day pass at State Beach required. Volunteers who wish to stay longer can request a parking permit at check in.
Accessibility: Bathrooms and drinking water available on site. Handicap parking spots.
Jelly Bowl Beach:
Meeting Place: Beach end of Calle Ocho.
Site Captain: Jan Silk and Lori Lee Collins
Organization: Carpinteria Family School
Parking: Neighborhood close to site.
Special Directions: Please bring your own buckets, gloves, trash picker uppers, hat, sunscreen, and enthusiasm to beautify our beach area. The world thanks you!
Accessibility: There is no handicapped parking. There is some difficulty in approach to the site. In order to get to the Jelly Bowl Beach site, volunteers must cross train tracks on foot with no crossing gates. There are bathrooms.
Lookout Park (Summerland):
Meeting Place: Next to the playground area before the beach path entrance.
Site Captain: Alicia Equitz and Ariel Maccarone
Organization: REI
Parking: Park in the lookout park lot. No permits or payments are necessary- parking is free.
Special Directions: There is no designated address. Please type “Lookout Park” into maps for directions. Beach can accommodate large groups.
Accessibility: Bathrooms available. Stairs or other difficult terrain required to access the site. Handicap parking spots. Volunteers will need to walk down a paved pathway to the beach.
Rincon County Beach (Bates):
Meeting Place: Meet at the pavilion area beside the parking lot next to the ramp descending to the beach.
Site Captain: Robert Byl
Organization: Friends of Bates Beach
Parking: Public parking lot at beach site. Free, no permits.
Special Directions: Site can accommodate large groups of people.
Accessibility: Bathrooms and drinking water available on site. Stairs or other difficult terrain required to access the site. Handicap parking spots. Ramp down to beach from bluff above.
Santa Claus Lane (Padaro Lane) Beach:
Meeting Place: Santa Claus Ln & Padaro Ln Carpinteria, CA 93013. Towards the west entrance of Santa Claus Lane, just after Padaro Lane, before the commercial area.
Site Captain: Brandon Kaysen
Organization: Central Coast Green Building Council
Parking: Parking is available on Santa Claus Lane. Note any time restrictions.
Accessibility: Bathrooms.
Goleta/Isla Vista Cleanup Sites
Campus Point at UCSB:
Meeting Place: Table at Campus Point. Click Here for Photo.
Site Captain: Mia Rahman
Organization: UCSB Coastal Fund and Explore Ecology
Parking: There will be no available parking for CCD participants due to UCSB Move In Weekend. Please walk or bike to this site.
Accessibility: There are handicapped parking spots. It is a difficult/steep approach to the beach (stairs and ramp are available from the parking lot). Bathrooms are available.
Devereux Beach:
Meeting Place: Look for the tent and table set up right on the bluffs near where volunteers park.
Site Captain: Lauren French and Heidi Greilach
Organization: Isla Vista Surfrider Student Club
Parking: Park around the neighborhood and in free parking surrounding the area.There is parking very close to site.
Accessibility: Handicap parking spots. There are stairs that lead down to the beach, but volunteers are welcome to stay on the bluffs.
Special Directions: We will have a tent and table set up right on the bluffs near where volunteers park so it should not be difficult!
Ellwood Bluffs and Beach:
Meeting Place: At the top of Ellwood Mesa Bluffs at the chimney by the beach access (straight out from Ellwood Beach Drive). See a large picture of the chimney.
Site Captain: Al Souma
Organization: Al Souma
Parking: Timed parking is available on Coronado, Phelps, Ellwood Beach Drive, or at the Sperling Preserve. Walk or bike to the site.
Special Directions: Walk straight out on trail from Ellwood Beach Drive to the bluffs. Do not rely on Google Maps to find directions to this beach. Be prepared to walk long distances to and from the site. We recommend bringing thick work gloves if you have them; this beach has lots of debris on it.
Accessibility:
Goleta Beach:
Meeting Place: At picnic tables to the right of the entrance. 5986 Sandspit Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
Site Captain: Julie Randall Colbert
Organization: Santa Ynez Band Of Chumash Indians
Parking: Free parking is available in lot in Sandspit Road, next to beach. Walking or biking from UCSB’s campus is encouraged.
Special Directions: Please be aware of other events going on at the beach and park. High tide may adjust areas of cleanup.
Accessibility: Bathrooms and drinking water are available on site. There is Handicapped Parking. The approach to the beach is not difficult.
Haskell’s Beach:
Meeting Place: Meet at the beach entrance near the snack bar.
Site Captain: Lyn Moore and Eddie Oros
Organization: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
Parking: Use the public beach parking lot at Haskell’s.
Special Directions: Enter the road off of Hollister Avenue that has a sign for Bacara on it and follow it for over a half mile. There will be a parking lot on your left marked by signs that say “Beach Access.”
Accessibility: There is handicap parking. The site is not difficult to approach. There are bathrooms.
Isla Vista Streets:
Meeting Place: Isla Vista Recreation and Park District Office-961 Embarcadero del Mar.
Site Captain:Paul Izquierdo and Laila Kleinberg
Organization: Isla Vista Recreation & Park District
Parking: Free parking on Isla Vista Streets, along Embarcadero del Mar. Payment is not needed, first come first serve basis.
Special Directions: Bathrooms and drinking water available on site.
More Mesa
Meeting Place: End of Mockingbird Ln. (coordinates: 34.424975, -119.787981)
Site Captain: Jasmin Tupy and Heather Hudson
Organization: Heal the Ocean
Parking: The entrance is in a residential area. Participants can park where street parking is permitted. Mainly on Vieja Rd or Mockingbird Ln.
Special Directions: Heal the Ocean will set up our tent at the Mockingbird Ln. entrance. If the tide is too high, most of the cleanup might take place on the bluff trails.
Accessibility: Stairs or other difficult terrain required to access the site. Bluffs, path, and incline/decline must be taken to access beach. Can also clean bluffs area.
San Jose Creek:
Meeting Place: Intersection of Merida Drive and Berkeley Road
Site Captain: Brian Trautwein
Organization: Environmental Defense Center
Parking: Ample parking on residential streets.
Accessibility: Lots of parking, but no specific handicapped spots. No bathrooms at this site. Moderately difficult terrain e.g., rocky stream bed and steep banks.
Special Directions: Poison oak is present in the creek.
Gaviota Coast Cleanup Sites
El Capitan State Beach:
Meeting Place: El Capitan State Park as close to the beach entrance as possible.
Site Captain: Melissa Erickson and Julie DeAngelis
Organization: Parasols in Paradise
Parking: State beach day use parking lot; free parking with parking pass. Get your pass from the parking attendant (not from the site captain). Let the parking attendant know you are a CCD volunteer and you will be able to park for free from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Accessibility: Bathrooms onsite. Handicap parking spots.
Gaviota State Beach:
Meeting Place: Beach Entrance.
Site Captain: Barbara Haig
Organization: Dunn School
Parking: State beach day use parking lot; free parking with parking pass. Get your parking pass from the parking attendant (not from the site captain). Let the parking attendant know you are a CCD volunteer to be able to park there for free from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Accessibility: Bathrooms. Drinking water available on site. Handicap parking spots.
Refugio State Beach:
Meeting Place: Near beach entrance.
Site Captain: Janet Koed
Organization: Gaviota Coast Conservancy
Parking: State beach day use parking lot; free parking with parking pass. Get your parking pass from the parking attendant (not from the site captain). Let the parking attendant know you are a CCD volunteer to be able to park there for free from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Accessibility: Bathrooms. Drinking water available on site. Handicap parking spots. beach isn’t necessarily wheelchair accessible. Handicap parking spots.
Tajiguas Beach:
Meeting Place: The large pull out area off of the 101 South bound freeway.
Site Captain: Hana Subrahmanyan and Tara Zahraie
Organization: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
Parking: Two options: meet at the large pull out area on the 101 South bound freeway at Tajiguas Beach or meet at the west end of Refugio Beach and carpool to the parking area at Tajiguas. If you park in the Refugio lot, get your parking pass from the parking attendant (not from the site captain). Let the parking attendant know you are a CCD volunteer to be able to park there for free from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Channel Islands Cleanup Site
Santa Cruz Island:
Meeting Place: This is a private cleanup that is not open to the public.
Beach Captain: Sarayu Ramnath
Organization: Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Special Directions: Not open to the public.
Accessibility: Boat supported.
Our Partners
Coastal Cleanup Day is a worldwide event organized by the Ocean Conservancy. The California Coastal Commission organizes the event throughout the state. Santa Barbara County efforts are coordinated by Explore Ecology and our partner the County of Santa Barbara’s Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division.
Santa Barbara Coastal Cleanup Day is also supported by Santa Barbara County Project Clean Water and the Cities of Goleta, Carpinteria, Solvang, and Santa Barbara.
Coastal Cleanup Day IMPACT
STOP MARINE DEBRIS IN ITS TRACKS
The 2017 United Nations Clean Seas Campaign estimates that there are 51 trillion microplastic particles in the ocean today. Some of it floats on the surface, while much of it litters the deep sea. This debris can injure and entangle animals and is ingested by fish, birds, and other marine life with dire consequences. Plastic marine debris also acts like a magnet or sponge for hydrophobic chemicals in the seawater, including Persistent Organic Pollutants like PCBs, DDT, dioxins, and furans. When animals ingest plastic, they are also getting a dose of harmful chemicals, which has a detrimental effect on the ocean food chain.
How can we combat this problem? One solution is to clean our beaches before plastic litter has a chance to make its way to the ocean. Join the thousands of volunteers around the world who make a stand for cleaner oceans and waterways and sign up for Coastal Cleanup Day!
What to bring?
Cleanup supplies will be provided. However, Explore Ecology is encouraging volunteers to BYO- bring their own reusable gloves, bags or buckets, and reusable water bottles to reduce waste to help decrease the plastic footprint of the cleanup. Read more about the statewide effort to reduce waste on the Coastal Commission’s website.
We recommend wearing closed toed shoes and comfortable clothing. We also encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle, wear sunscreen, and other sun protection like hats or sunglasses.
Can I sign up a group?
Yes, please! The more hands on desk, the better. Coastal Cleanup Day is a great volunteer opportunity for groups.
How do I receive community service hours?
Of course! We wouldn’t have it any other way. Please bring your forms and have your Beach Captain sign them after the cleanup so you can get your community service hours.
Want to be a Site Captain?
Coastal Cleanup Day is possible because of our dedicated site captains. If you or your organization is interested, please contact Santa Barbara County Coastal Cleanup Day Coordinator Veronica at: CoastalCleanupDay (at) ExploreEcology.org or call (805)884-0459 x16.
Do I have to register in advance?
Pre-registration is not required, but is encouraged. Everyone who registers in advance is entered into our Coastal Cleanup Day drawing. To register, click here.
Is there an age requirement?
Volunteers of all ages are welcome.
Where should I park?
Parking varies by location. Please check each site for specifics, thanks!
Media Inquiries
Email Jill or call (805) 884-0459 x13.
What to do about injured or stranded sea animals?
CALL CIMWI HOTLINE: (805) 567-1505
Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured, malnourished, orphaned, entangled, and oiled marine mammals. CIMWI is authorized by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service to respond to live and dead sea animals in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Marine mammals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Don’t touch, feed, disturb, or harass these animals. Thank you!
During Santa Barbara County Coastal Cleanup Day, we will be using paper tally sheets this year. This will help us to improve the accuracy of our data reporting.
If you can’t attend Coastal Cleanup Day or just want to clean up throughout the month, you can download the CleanSwell app to submit data all month long which will be counter towards our CCD totals: https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/cleanswell/
When you use Clean Swell, please turn on your location services and write in Explore Ecology as the group name. Clean Swell will instantaneously upload to the Ocean Conservancy’s global ocean trash database. These data deliver a global snapshot of ocean trash, providing researchers and policy-makers insight to inform solutions.
You can submit data all month long for any cleanups you do during the month of September.
With Clean Swell, simply “Start Collecting” trash wherever you are around the world and the data you collect will instantaneously upload to Ocean Conservancy’s global ocean trash database. These data provide researchers and policy-makers insight to inform solutions. You can check out your Cleanup history, so anytime, anywhere you can see the impact you’ve had on making our ocean a cleaner and healthier ecosystem.
Use Clean Swell for Cleanups During the Month of September to:
Record every item of trash you collect.
Share your Cleanup results and impact with friends via Facebook, Twitter, and email.
Track your total distance cleaned.
See the total weight of the trash you collect.
Earn badges based on the type and quantity of trash and cleanups you do, like the Sea Turtle Saver!
Keep a historical record of your Cleanup efforts.
Create ocean trash solutions by contributing to a global database and helping to identify trends.
Learn scientific facts about the impact of trash on ocean animals and what you can do to help.
Coastal Cleanup Month
Become Part of the Solution to Ocean Pollution on 4 Saturdays in September 2020
Coastal Clean-Up Day has been changed for 2020 and is now Coastal Cleanup Month. This year, instead of gathering together at beaches and sites throughout the County on a single day, cleanups will happen every Saturday in September from home. We can stop potential marine debris from traveling through storm drains into our creeks and ocean. Let’s protect our favorite beaches by picking up trash in our neighborhoods and local natural areas.
Community members are encouraged to clean up their neighborhood every Saturday from 9 to Noon on September 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.
Your cleanups should be self-guided and close to home. Local parks, shores, creeks, streets, drainage areas, sidewalks, natural areas, and trails are great choices. Practice physical distancing and strictly follow both local ordinances and the set of guidelines provided on the California Coastal Commission website to make this a safe cleanup for you and your community. Read the guidelines here.
Although our cleanup model is different this year, your effort will still make a huge difference for the coast. We need your help to collect data on all litter you find. Click on our Submit Data tab for reporting options.
Get outside, enjoy nature, and remove marine debris from your neighborhood. If Saturdays don’t work for you, please clean up on any day and time that does! The litter that you find will still be included in our Coastal Cleanup Day data.
Throughout the month, stay connected with volunteers across the County by visiting our Instagram and Facebook Pages. Upload your photos, videos, and share what you find on social media with the hashtags #protectyourhappyplace and #coastalcleanup. Although we can’t meet in person this year, we can stay connected virtually.
Volunteers of all ages can participate. Pre-registration is not required, but is encouraged. To register, click here.
This year use your own gloves, buckets, and other reusable cleanup supplies to lessen the plastic footprint of this event. To help make the job easier, Project Clean Water has reusable cleanup supplies that can be checked out and returned, after filling out a waiver. The reusable supplies include buckets and trash grabbers. Contact Cathleen Garnand or call 805-568-3561 for details.
We acknowledge that our cleanups are occurring on traditional Chumash land.
Coastal Cleanup Month is part of Creek Week, an annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and the ocean, with many local organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria. Visit SBCreekWeek.com for a full schedule of activities.
In Santa Barbara County, Coastal Cleanup Day is brought to you by Explore Ecology and our partner the County of Santa Barbara Resource Recovery and Waste Management, with support from the Cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Solvang. The California Coastal Commission organizes the statewide event and the international event is organized by the Ocean Conservancy.
Special Thanks to our partner the Santa Barbara County Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division.
What’s A Watershed?
Are You Ready?
Coastal Cleanup Month Kick Off!
Follow These Guidelines For A Safe Coastal Cleanup Day
GUIDANCE FOR 2020 NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUPS
Beach cleanups start at our own front doors. Trash can travel through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become beach pollution. This September, let’s help clean the beach by cleaning up in our own neighborhoods and local natural areas.
To protect your health and slow the spread of the coronavirus, please follow the most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, available here.
If you find any hazardous waste, (i.e. batteries, filled paint cans, aerosols, etc.) please visit the County of SB’s Resource Recovery and Waste Management website for more information on how to dispose of the waste properly.
If you find a shopping cart, please report it here.
Please do not clean up any homeless encampments as per the California Coastal Commission guidelines.
In addition to the CDC guidelines, the Coastal Commission recommends the following practices for cleaning up litter and other debris:
Preparation
- If you are sick in any way, DO NOT go out for a cleanup.
- Assemble your own cleanup gear, including Personal Protective Equipment(PPE). This should include trash bags or buckets, gloves, face mask, a trash grabber or tongs (if available), sun protection, and make sure to wear close-toed shoes to protect against sharp objects.
- Download the Clean Swell app (available for free on all platforms) to keep track of what you pick up and how many people participated with you. If you do not have a device capable of using the app, you can download the data card from the Coastal Commission’s website.
Cleanup
- Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from everyone you encounter, even if you are wearing a mask.
- ALWAYS wear gloves – disposable if available – and dispose or wash them immediately after your cleanup.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Do not pick up sharp objects, especially syringes!
- Don’t pick up anything too heavy or anything that you will not be able to fit intoyour home debris bin.
In parks and natural areas, follow all posted signage, stay on trails, and limit activities to areas open to the public.
- If you clean up a local beach or waterway, be mindful of the conditions (such as high tide, sneaker wave warnings, etc.), and be careful near the water’s edge.
- Keep a safe distance from all wildlife!
- Do not pick up or disturb natural objects, such as leaves, nests, or eggs.
- Avoid over-exertion, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. When in doubt,come in early!
- Unfortunately, you may find used gloves, masks, and other personal protectiveequipment (PPE) among litter. DO NOT PICK UP ANY PPE without a grabber.
After Cleanup
- If possible, weigh or estimate the pounds of trash and recyclables you collected during your cleanup to report to your local coordinator or the Coastal Commission.
- Dispose of trash in your home debris bin
- Dispose or wash gloves immediately after your cleanup. To properly removedisposable gloves, grab the glove opening near your wrist and pull towards yourfingers, then turn the glove inside out before disposing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible, and use hand sanitizer in themeantime if soap and water are unavailable.
- Show us your cleanup! Post your pictures using our “Protect Your Happy Place”filter on Instagram and Facebook and see how your community is participating. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #coastalcleanup and #protectyourhappyplace.
By participating you understand and agree that neither the State of California or California Coastal Commission may be held liable or responsible in any way for any injury, death, or other damages to you or your family, heirs, or assigns that may occur as a result of your participation, or as a result of product liability or the negligence, whether passive or active, of any party in connection with the cleanups.
Have fun and remember, safety first! Thank you for extending your care and compassion to our communities at this time! Stay healthy.
Our Partners
Coastal Cleanup Day is a worldwide event organized by the Ocean Conservancy. The California Coastal Commission organizes the event throughout the state. Santa Barbara County efforts are coordinated by Explore Ecology and our partner the County of Santa Barbara’s Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division.
Santa Barbara Coastal Cleanup Day is also supported by Santa Barbara County Project Clean Water and the Cities of Goleta, Carpinteria, Solvang, and Santa Barbara.
How To Submit Your Data
Please count every piece of trash you collect! Reporting thoroughly and accurately is important.
There are three different ways to record the trash that you find during your cleanups. Data will be collected primarily through the CleanSwell app for smartphones. Under Group Name, type in “Explore Ecology” so we can track the number of participants in Santa Barbara County. Clean Swell will instantaneously upload to the Ocean Conservancy’s global ocean trash database. These data deliver a global snapshot of ocean trash, providing researchers and policy-makers insight to inform solutions.
For those who don’t want to or are unable to use the app for recording their trash, we will have a Google Form that you can enter your data in or a dedicated phone hotline to call. You can download Data Sheets to keep track of what you find.
Use the CleanSwell App: Click Here for More Information.
Download the Coastal Commission Data Sheet in English Here.
Download the Coastal Commission Data Sheet in Spanish Here.
Enter Your Results on Our Google Form.
Call in your results to our dedicated phone line: 805-284-6706.
What supplies to use?
Use what you have at home for your cleanup. Washable gloves, bags or buckets help decrease the plastic footprint of your cleanup. Read more about the statewide effort to reduce waste on the Coastal Commission’s website.
We recommend wearing closed toed shoes and comfortable clothing. We also encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle, wear sunscreen, and other sun protection like hats or sunglasses.
Can I receive community service?
Of course! Keep track of your hours and send them to Jill for community service hours with Explore Ecology.
Is there an age requirement?
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate.
Why is marine debris such a threat to ocean life?
Read about the impacts of marine debris here:
Do I have to register in advance?
Registration is not required, but is encouraged. To register, click here.
Media and Sponsorship Inquiries
Please contact Santa Barbara County Coastal Cleanup Day Coordinator, Julia at CoastalCleanupDay (at) ExploreEcology.org or by calling her at (805) 884-0459 x16.
Why is Coastal Cleanup Day Different This Year?
Due to COVID-19, we’ve had to change the format of Coastal Cleanup Day. The cleanup may be different, but we hope to pick up more trash than ever before!
Coastal Cleanup Day Impact
STOP MARINE DEBRIS IN ITS TRACKS
The 2017 United Nations Clean Seas Campaign estimates that there are 51 trillion microplastic particles in the ocean today. Some of it floats on the surface, while much of it litters the deep sea. This debris can injure and entangle animals and is ingested by fish, birds, and other marine life with dire consequences. Plastic marine debris also acts like a magnet or sponge for hydrophobic chemicals in the seawater, including Persistent Organic Pollutants like PCBs, DDT, dioxins, and furans. When animals ingest plastic, they are also getting a dose of harmful chemicals, which has a detrimental effect on the ocean food chain.
How can we combat this problem? One solution is to clean our beaches before plastic litter has a chance to make its way to the ocean. Join the thousands of volunteers around the world who make a stand for cleaner oceans and waterways and sign up for Coastal Cleanup Day!
Become a Coastal Cleanup Day Advocate
Throughout the month, stay connected with other engaged community members across 
the County by visiting our Instagram and Facebook
Tag @exploreecology in your photos and videos, and share what you find on social media with the hashtags #coastalcleanup and #protectyourhappyplace.
Although we can’t meet up in person this year, let’s stay connected virtually as we all work to keep our coastline clean and to protect our happy places!
Location
This year due to COVID-19, we are not meeting at our usual sites. We invite you to protect the coast from home by cleaning up your neighborhood or local natural area. Your cleanups should be self-guided. Local parks, shores, creeks, streets, sidewalks, drainage areas, natural areas, and trails are great choices. Practice physical distancing and strictly follow both local ordinances and the set of guidelines provided on the California Coastal Commission website to make this a safe cleanup for you and your community.
Eva grew up in Berkeley, CA and is a recent graduate of UCSB, where she studied Aquatic Biology and German Language. During her undergrad, Eva worked as an aquarist at UCSB’s Research Experience and Education Facility (the REEF), where she managed the aquarium facility and found a love for science communication and conservation.
Phillip is a recent Westmont College graduate and a proud member of the inaugural class of Environmental Studies students from Westmont. Phillip is excited to be on the Explore Ecology teaching team because he loves to inspire others about nature as his mentors have done for him. 
Ellie Cotter is a recent graduate of UCSB who studied Environmental Studies with a minor in Philosophy. Ellie learned the importance of community based action, spending her years interning and volunteering for local groups, such as Coal Oil Point Reserve and North Campus Open Space. 
Joey is grateful to have grown up with an abundance of nature around him and is happiest in the water or in the sun. From a young age, Joey felt a responsibility to take care of the Earth in return for all the ways she has taken care of him. This led Joey to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies at UCSB where he furthered his knowledge of how different human societies have conceptualized and interacted with the natural world throughout history.
Rachel Palmer
Alyssa grew up on Long Island, New York and spent a lot of her childhood and early adulthood exploring the mountains, meadows, and beaches throughout the East Coast. These formative experiences in nature, along with impactful mentors and coursework in undergraduate and graduate school, inspired her to pursue a career connecting youth with the natural world. From the deciduous forests of New England to the shores of the Big Island of Hawaii, Alyssa has spent over 10 years working with youth of all ages on urban and rural farms, in school gardens, and in beautiful, wild places. Alyssa is passionate about facilitating meaningful experiences for youth that deepen their connections to self, community, and the land and she believes that school gardens are the perfect place to do this. 
Nicole is a mixed media artist and vintage goods specialist who has been managing Art from Scrap since 2020.
Veronica grew up in San Diego and spent four years in San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science at Cal Poly. As an undergrad she learned lots about livestock, agriculture, and wildlife.
I love coming to work and getting pets from everyone.
Ian Docktor
Emma Serr is an artist and student studying Studio Art at SBCC.
Lydia
Iliana Jacobo is a Garden Educator at three different school sites. Iliana has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Sustainability and Social Justice and a minor in Ethnic Studies from San Francisco State University.
Lindsay Johnson
MELISSA BROOKS
Jenny joined Explore Ecology first as an Environmental Educator, then as a Program Coordinator, and most recently moved into the newly created Programs, People & Culture position. Prior to Explore Ecology Jenny worked in science research and consulting, however her passion has always been science education and outreach. Jenny loves all things related to the ocean, especially free diving, and enjoying the beauty and wonder that is the underwater world. Her greatest life passion is traveling, which she hopes to do more of again soon.
Lu’s love of all things Earth began at James Madison University in Virginia, where they got their Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Lu has a Master’s degree in Spatial Ecology- the study of how creatures interact across landscapes- from East Carolina University, where they studied rock pools along a river and the critters that dwell in them.
Luz developed a strong sense of devotion for working with diverse populations after studying Sociology at UCSB. Her background in social work includes case management for various non-profits, experience with trauma informed care, and developing/teaching curriculum for school garden education & art resiliency. 
Sarah is very passionate about being involved in the outdoors, as well as expressing creativity. She grew up in the Bay Area learning to garden with her mother and going hiking, camping, and backpacking with her family regularly. While gardening with her mother, she grew a deep connection with the processes of ecosystems and food production, so Sarah believes it can be incredibly beneficial for kids to get hands-on experience in nature. 
Sadie
Clare
Chloe grew up in nearby Ojai, CA, which helped shape her passion for living a green lifestyle and conserving wildlife. 
Aimee moved to Santa Barbara from Asheville, North Carolina. She grew up visiting her Grandma in Ojai and wanted to take the opportunity to be closer to her. By lucky accident, she has also found that she is in love with beautiful Santa Barbara! Aimee’s background prior to her Garden Educator position was in Animal Agriculture and she had a layman’s interest in keeping a garden. The Central Coast is a completely different ball game as far as growing produce and she has greatly enjoyed the challenge, as well as taking every opportunity to grow and learn with her students. She loves giving students opportunities to grow lots of food that is delicious right off the plant, as well as learning about the entire ecosystem of their school gardens. She hopes her teaching feels student-led and informed. 
Angie was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She studied Psychology at San Diego State and was a social worker in San Francisco for five years before she discovered her love of growing food. Angie learned how to grow vegetables with the Green Urban Lunch Box in Salt Lake City and then moved back to the Bay Area to start farming. 
