Last year in Sonoma County 1,044 volunteers cleaned up 19,264 pounds of trash and 5,059 pounds of recycles from 20 county beaches, the Spud Point Marina, the Russian River, Lake Sonoma, and two creeks ( Matanzas and Nathanson.)

   The Cleanup has traditionally included picking up and cataloging types of trash found along the county’s coastal beaches, as well as a few other waterways. This year, a greater emphasis is being placed on expanding the Cleanup. In addition to taking responsibility for the health of our beaches, Coastal Cleanup Day is also a fun activity for the whole family.

   A free BBQ is provided for all volunteers after their hard work, as well as the Sand Sculpting and Unusual Litter Contests, and the Raffle of prizes from many of your favroite Sonoma County businesses.

What is International Coastal Cleanup Day?
   The ICC is a unique event in that it is the only volunteer effort of its kind that records and analyzes the types of debris collected from beaches and waterways. In 1998, over 500,00 people in 74 countries and 55 U.S. states and territories, collected over 5.3 million pounds of debris from over 12,170 miles of coastline.

   The Center for Marine Conservation coordinates the International Coastal Cleanup in over 74 countries. California's Coastal Cleanup Day program is organized by the California Coastal Commission and cooperating organizations throughout the state. In Sonoma County, CCD is organized by a group of volunteers and supported by the Santa Rosa Chapter of the Sierra Club.

   The ICC has also fosterd other programs such as recycling campaigns, public education programs, Adopt-a-Beach programs, and even storm water system overhauland legislative reform. For more information these programs please visit the CCC and CMC's websites.

   Sierra Club Sonoma Group members are once again coordinating the annual Coastal Cleanup in conjunction with the California Coastal Commission.