International Coastal Cleanup Day 2024

Since the first International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC) in 1986, more than 18 million volunteers have collected nearly 385 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways around the world.

Twenty-nine volunteers gathered at the park on the gorgeous morning of Saturday, September 21st. With buckets and litter pickers in hand, they descended on the beach at 8:30 a.m. to begin the cleanup. They removed an impressive amount of debris, helping to protect our beautiful beach, marine life, and the environment.

Of all the items removed from the beach, the weirdest item was a vial of blood! Altogether, these conservation-minded friends removed 2,087 items, weighing over 65 pounds!

A huge shoutout to all the volunteers, Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park board members, and park staff who made this event a success! Photo credits: Volunteer Bill Sharp.