Now that summer is in full swing, I wanted to give you an update on our Adopt-a-Beach goal.

Adopt-a-Beach volunteers make great things happen in their communities. They join together, take positive action, and keep plastic pollution out of the Great Lakes.

This year, we set an ambitious goal. We’re aiming to activate 12,000 volunteers to clean up Great Lakes shorelines in 2025.

Momentum is building! 387 Adopt-a-Beach cleanups have already been scheduled. An estimated 4,500 volunteers have already joined in. More people are signing up every day.

Now we need your help to get all the way to our goal. Here are 3 things you can do:

1. Become an Adopt-a-Beach Team Leader. Hosting your own cleanup is fun and rewarding. Just pick a date –  pick a beach, park, trail, or marina  – and invite your friends, colleagues, or community members. Learn more about leading an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup.

2. Join a cleanup in your area. More than 160 cleanups are happening soon, and more are added every day. Find a cleanup near you and pitch in. 

3. Think of someone who might be interested in organizing a cleanup and forward them this email. Faith groups, alumni clubs, businesses, community organizations, green groups, classrooms, youth organizations, friend and family groups – so many types of people make great Adopt-a-Beach teams!

Here are some resources for anyone with questions about being a Team Leader:  

• Join us for a Team Leader training:

  • Tuesday, July 15, 1:00-2:00 pm Eastern / noon-1:00 pm Central

  • Wednesday, August 13, 6:00-8:00 pm Eastern / 6:00-7:00 pm Central

  • Wednesday, August 27, 1:00-2:00 pm Eastern / noon-1:00 pm Central

• Use these training materials to learn how to run a successful event.  

• Check out some handy resources to recruit volunteers and publicize your cleanup.

• Reach out anytime by emailing [email protected].

Protecting Water, Sustaining Life
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes.