By The Chronicle staff
As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on April 19.
The event brings together volunteers to help protect and preserve Washington’s coastline, according to a Washington State Parks news release.
This year’s cleanup will take place at 10 state parks, including Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors.
State Parks collaborates with Washington CoastSavers to organize three beach cleanup events annually.
In 2024, 2,339 volunteers removed 159,431 pounds of marine and firework debris from Washington’s beaches — that’s the equivalent weight of approximately 13 adult orca whales. Of that total, 636 volunteers and 16,193 pounds of debris came from the Washington Coast Cleanup.
State Parks also works with Grassroots Garbage Gang, Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Surfrider Foundation to increase volunteer participation and impact.
On arrival, participants volunteering at a Washington state park will check in at one of these locations:
• Long Beach: Bolstad Ocean Beach Approach (OBA), Seaview OBA
• Central Coast: Ocean City OBA, Chance A La Mer OBA, Bonge Ave OBA
• Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca: Shine Tidelands
• Chimacum Corner Farmstand: Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay
• Port Townsend Marine Science Center: Fort Townsend, Fort Worden
Volunteers should come prepared for variable weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and bring a packed lunch with plenty of water. Upon check-in, participants will receive supplies for debris collection, though bringing reusable gloves is encouraged. Check-in stations will also serve as designated drop-off locations for collected marine debris.
To learn more about the Washington Coast Cleanup, view a list of all participating beaches and pre-register for the event, visit CoastSavers.org.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state-managed lands on April 19.
