Coastal Watch signing up volunteers for cleanup
Volunteers are needed to help clean up the Causeway Islands following the holiday festivities.
After the Fourth of July weekend, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) Coastal Watch will host an After the 4th: Sanibel Causeway Cleanup on July 8 from 8 to 10 a.m.
Coastal Watch Director Kealy Pfau explained that they have historically organized cleanups at the Causeway Islands Park after major holidays, like Independence Day, Memorial Day and Mother’s Day.
“Throughout the year, it’s what we did before (Hurricane) Ian,” she said.
Following this last Memorial Day, the county noticed a lot of trash and approached the SCCF.
“Their staff were having a really hard time getting on top of it,” Pfau said, adding that they asked if Coastal Watch could facilitate a beach clean up after the Fourth of July holiday and they said yes.
She noted that the Causeway Islands recently reopened so they want to keep them nice.
“We also have the birds that are out there nesting,” Pfau added.
She explained that the family-friendly cleanup is pretty straightforward.
“They’ll try to pick up all of the trash that’s left behind. It could be coolers and cans — a lot of big things get left behind by groups,” Pfau said. “You never know what you’re going to pick up.”
Volunteers can up for one of four sections.
“We divided both islands in half, so we have the bayside and the Gulf-side,” she said, referring to Causeway Island “A” and “B” and either side. “All sides currently have availability and spaces open.”
As of June 27, 13 of the total 40 volunteer spots were claimed.
Check-in and gear pickup will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Island A — closest to the toll plaza.
“We’ll provide buckets and trash bags and gloves and grabbers,” Pfau said. “So pretty much the cleanup essentials.”
Clothes suitable for beach conditions and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
“We ask that people come prepared to be out in the elements,” she said. “And bring water and wear sunscreen.”
The community is encouraged to register.
“We all know that trash that’s on our beaches can easily get back into our waters,” Pfau said. “Coming out quickly after a big weekend like this, a volunteer effort is going to minimize the impact of the debris getting in our waterways.”
“It’s a family-friendly event, so you can bring your kids and just come out, enjoy the beach and pick up some trash,” she added. “To keep it a place that we all love and enjoy, including the wildlife.”
To sign up or for more information, visit https://dash.pointapp.org/events/357285.
Once signed up, volunteers can sign the volunteer wavier in advance at https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/n3ffs3fadbrgei56uct7fd/web/.
“If they can fill out the waiver ahead of time that will make the check-in process quicker,” Pfau said.
For questions, contact Pfau at 239-472-2329 or coastalwatch@sccf.org.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email