Quick look: Inside the Outdoors, OCDE’s environmental education program, is partnering with OC Parks and other local organizations to host the 2025 California Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Inside the Outdoors, in partnership with OC Parks, will welcome volunteers to the 2025 California Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The annual event, part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by the Ocean Conservancy, engages communities around the globe in removing trash from beaches and waterways. In Orange County, the effort is presented in partnership by OC Parks and the Newport Bay Conservancy, with support from Inside the Outdoors, the environmental education program administered by the Orange County Department of Education, along with other community organizations.
Upper Newport Bay, one of the largest estuaries in Southern California, is home to several endangered species along with numerous migratory and resident birds. More than 10,000 students visit the bay each year through Inside the Outdoors field trips, making the cleanup an important effort to sustain both the ecological and educational value of the area.
“Every bag of trash we collect helps protect wildlife and inspires the next generation to care for our coast,” said Yarib Dheming, school and community outreach manager for ITO.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, bring reusable water bottles and expect to get muddy. Gloves, buckets and bags will be provided. Street parking will be available at 2050 Constellation Drive in Newport Beach, and the event will be canceled in the event of rain.
To learn more or register, visit http://bit.ly/3ViM9al. For questions, email insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us or call 714-708-3885.