Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay

Everyone will not start at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for this event.

*NEW THIS YEAR* volunteers will meet directly a dozen different mini-cleanup day sites around the 11-mile bay including the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, Newport Aquatic Center, Big Canyon, Vista Point, Jamboree Bridge, etc. Commit and register to attend early to help us coordinate everyone.

For a full list of all coastal cleanup day sites in Orange County, visit Orange County Coastkeeper's website.

ABOUT COASTAL CLEANUP DAY AT THE BAY

Each September, 1,000 people—including families, friends, co-workers, scouts and school groups—come from all over Orange County to volunteer their time at Upper Newport Bay. With last year's event going virtual due to the pandemic, we are gearing up to return to our annual in-person event, and a much needed deep cleaning of the Bay. Our goal is to remove over 10,000 pounds of trash! We have already experienced a new wave of waste from the increased use of single use plastics, disposable masks, and gloves over this past year. These items and others risk harming wildlife, pollute our waterways, and threaten public health and your support is crucial to our mission.

Around 800 volunteers are needed to help remove trash from the uplands and marsh areas of the Bay and participate in invasive plant removal. Volunteers will meet directly at 20-25 different mini-cleanup day sites around the 11-mile bay including the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, Newport Aquatic Center, Big Canyon, Vista Point, Jamboree Bridge, etc. Exact meeting location will be announced and sent to everyone (group leaders) prior to 9/18.

HAVE A GROUP THAT IS ALREADY TOGETHER?

That helps. Let us know a little more about your group to make the greatest impact that day. There will be bus/shuttles to other areas of the Bay where parking or direct access isn't available and more accessible options for groups with families.

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:

Everyone should wear old clothes and close-toed shoes because you will get dirty. Feel free to bring your own reusable mask, gloves and trash bag or bucket. It also helps if you have tall/rubber boots or water shoes so you can get into the mud and reach those hard to get pieces that may be not as accessible when wearing regular sneakers. Bring a reusable/refillable water bottle so we can reduce our plastic use.  Everyone welcome to lend a hand, although minors need guardian permission and adult volunteers present (ages 6 and up may participate). Although we love dogs, please leave your furry friends home. Commemorative t-shirts will be given away to everyone helping us out that morning.

SUPPORT APPRECIATED: It takes a small army of staff, trained volunteers and supplies to mobilize 1,000 people for the day. Thank you to all our supporters below who has made Cleanup Day possible. Individuals are able to make a personal contribution while registering to support the day as well.

2021 SPONSORS INCLUDE:

MAJOR

SUPPORTING

Alere Property Group

Costa Mesa Sanitary District

Newport Auto Center

Pi Environmental

Ware Disposal

EVENT PARTNERS

Orange County Parks

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

City of Newport Beach

Orange County Coastkeeper

Newport Aquatic Center

Newport Sea Base