Help Ballona take out the trash!
International Coastal Cleanup Day is the largest volunteer event on the planet. Join over 60,000 others in removing hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other waterways all around the world. Here in Los Angeles, 130 square miles of storm drains flow into Ballona Creek. Gutter trash from as far away as North Hollywood can end up right here in the wetlands! The time and effort you put in to clear out debris helps protect coastal wildlife and keep our beaches clean and safe.
For Coastal Cleanup Day, we will have 2 different activities: a creek cleanup along Ballona Creek, and habitat restoration in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve.
RSVPs: No RSVP is necessary for individual volunteers and small groups. Large groups of 8 or more, please register by emailing volunteer@ballonafriends.org or calling our office at 310-306-5994
Ages: Activities are recommended for ages 7 and up. Youths 16 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
What to wear: Close-toed shoes are required! We recommend dressing in weather-appropriate layers that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, along with a hat.
What to bring: Bring a full water bottle to stay hydrated. There are no water fountains on site. We will provide all other tools and supplies.
Arrive on time: The ecological reserve gates are locked during all Saltwater Marsh events and late arrivals might find themselves locked out.
Cancellations: For safety, we must cancel if it’s raining. Please check the weather before arriving. If you’re not sure, please call us or check our social media for cancellation announcements.
Donations: The suggested donation is $5 per person. By donating online or at our events, you can keep helping with cleanup even after you leave! Free tours and community service events are made possible by the efforts and donations of kindhearted people just like you.