“After we experience a storm, that’s when we see high levels of pollution,” she said.
That connection between inland communities and the coast is one reason Coastal Cleanup Day extends far beyond beaches. The California Coastal Commission notes that virtually every body of water in the state eventually flows toward the sea, meaning removing trash upstream can prevent it from reaching the coast later.
Palos Verdes Offers A More Rugged Cleanup
Across the Palos Verdes Peninsula, volunteers have three more options, including one that requires a rather more strenuous trip to the sand. In Rancho Palos Verdes, the Los Serenos de Point Vicente Docents will lead volunteers from Founders Park, 1 Trump National Drive, down to Rancho Palos Verdes Beach and the Ocean Trails Reserve.
The city warns that the route follows a steep pathway and sandy beach, and recommends sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Volunteers are asked to bring a bucket, garden gloves, sunscreen, a hat and refillable water bottle because supplies will be limited and could run out.
Free parking is available in the public lot at the end of Trump National Drive and along the road. Carpooling or ridesharing is recommended, and the city specifically asks participants not to park in the golf course lot. Full details for the Founders Park cleanup are available from the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.