3rd Biannual Sally Scholz Coastal Cleanup = 1,329 items and 86lbs removed!
Volunteers filled Moran Lake Beach with energy and purpose during the 3rd Annual Sally Scholz Coastal Cleanup, to honor Sally’s legacy and help care for the Santa Cruz coastline. Held alongside Santa Cruz County’s annual Pitch In cleanup day, the event was part of a larger community-wide effort focused on protecting local beaches, parks, neighborhoods, and waterways.
Throughout the morning, volunteers scoured the beach and surrounding area, removing everything from recently discarded litter
to heavily weathered marine debris that had persisted in the environment for years.
By the Numbers
Beyond the cleanup totals, the morning was full of teamwork, conversation, and community connection. It was especially meaningful to have one of Sally’s close friends join us for the event, helping continue the spirit of ocean stewardship and environmental care that Sally inspired in so many people.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, supported the cleanup, and helped make the event such a success. Seeing so many people come together for the coast was a powerful reminder that community action truly matters.
*COUNTY-WIDE PITCH IN TOTALS = 7,247.5 lbs of Trash Removed
(not counting miscellaneous tires, furniture and appliances)!! 💪 👏
Every item removed helps protect wildlife, improve coastal habitats, and prevent larger debris from breaking down into harmful microplastics.
Beyond the cleanup totals, the morning was full of teamwork, conversation, and community connection. It was especially meaningful to have one of Sally’s close friends join us for the event, helping continue the spirit of ocean stewardship and environmental care that Sally inspired in so many people.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, supported the cleanup, and helped make the event such a success.
Seeing so many people come together for the coast was a powerful reminder that community action truly matters.
💙Shout out to Peet’s Coffee for providing the caffeine boost!
Throughout the morning, volunteers scoured the beach and surrounding area, removing everything from recently discarded litter
to heavily weathered marine debris that had persisted in the environment for years.
By the Numbers
- 👥 33 participants
- 🗑️ 86 pounds collected — 78 lbs trash, 8 lbs recycling
- 🧩 1,746 debris items recorded, including:
- 🧴 Plastic = 66%
- 🌬️ Weathered = 57% - shows how persistent plastic pollution remains in our coastal environment.
Beyond the cleanup totals, the morning was full of teamwork, conversation, and community connection. It was especially meaningful to have one of Sally’s close friends join us for the event, helping continue the spirit of ocean stewardship and environmental care that Sally inspired in so many people.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, supported the cleanup, and helped make the event such a success. Seeing so many people come together for the coast was a powerful reminder that community action truly matters.
*COUNTY-WIDE PITCH IN TOTALS = 7,247.5 lbs of Trash Removed
(not counting miscellaneous tires, furniture and appliances)!! 💪 👏
Every item removed helps protect wildlife, improve coastal habitats, and prevent larger debris from breaking down into harmful microplastics.
Beyond the cleanup totals, the morning was full of teamwork, conversation, and community connection. It was especially meaningful to have one of Sally’s close friends join us for the event, helping continue the spirit of ocean stewardship and environmental care that Sally inspired in so many people.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, supported the cleanup, and helped make the event such a success.
Seeing so many people come together for the coast was a powerful reminder that community action truly matters.
💙Shout out to Peet’s Coffee for providing the caffeine boost!
