Mendocino Coast to Host 42nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19

A tide of volunteers will sweep the Mendocino shoreline on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as the 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day rolls into town. The event, organized by MendoParks in partnership with the California State Parks system, is part of the statewide effort coordinated by the California Coastal Commission and the International Coastal Cleanup Day observed in more than 100 countries.

Clean‑up crews will converge on several sites along the coast, each led by a dedicated Site Captain. Participants can sign up and find detailed information on the MendoParks website.

The timing of the cleanup carries special meaning. It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, a 1976 law that created the Coastal Commission and set the framework for protecting the state’s shoreline. According to MendoParks Executive Director Sid Garza‑Hilman, “First, it is part of the Coastal Act’s 50th anniversary celebration … Second, projected rainfall from the upcoming El Niño will likely mean even more pollution washing onto our coastline from creeks and streams.”

El Niño, a climate pattern that brings increased rainfall to California, is expected to bring wetter conditions to the region during the winter months. The additional runoff can carry debris from inland areas to the ocean, potentially increasing the amount of trash volunteers will need to collect.

The California Coastal Commission, a state agency within the California Natural Resources Agency, has overseen the cleanup effort since the program’s inception. The Commission’s mission is to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the environment of California’s coastline.

The first California Coastal Cleanup Day took place in 1985, organized by the Coastal Commission. Nearly 2,500 Californians participated in that inaugural event, and the program has since grown dramatically. To date, more than 1.8 million volunteers have removed over 27 million pounds of trash from beaches and inland waterways throughout the state. In 1993, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized the California Coastal Cleanup Day as the “largest garbage collection” ever organized.

The Mendocino Coast cleanup is a key part of the broader effort to safeguard marine and coastal ecosystems. By removing trash, volunteers help protect wildlife, improve water quality, and preserve the natural beauty that attracts residents and tourists alike.

“This event is so crucial to the beauty and health of the Mendocino Coast,” Garza‑Hilman added. “MendoParks and the Sonoma‑Mendocino Coast CA State Park District are honored to help make this cleanup happen.”

During the event, volunteers will walk along the shoreline, collect litter, and record data that contributes to scientific studies on marine debris. The information gathered helps researchers and policymakers understand pollution trends and develop strategies for reducing future waste.

Mendocino County, known for its rugged coastline, redwood forests, and wine production, has long been a focus of conservation efforts. The county’s coastal communities rely on healthy beaches for recreation, tourism, and the local economy.

The event is open to all residents and visitors. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, a reusable bag, and a willingness to help. The MendoParks website provides instructions on how to register, the locations of cleanup sites, and safety guidelines.

The California Coastal Commission’s Coastal Cleanup Day remains one of the state’s largest volunteer events, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of California’s residents and organizations to protect the environment and honor the legacy of the Coastal Act.

The 42nd annual cleanup will take place on September 19, 2026, and will serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to keep California’s coast clean and healthy for future generations.