Help Get the Trash Out of the Splash!
Join us for the 39th annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup, where volunteers come together to protect our coast by removing trash and debris from beaches, bays, and waterways. This event is part of a statewide effort to keep Alabama’s shores clean and healthy for both people and wildlife. Grab your gloves, bring a friend, and make a difference for our coastal environment! Please note that this is a state wide event and that there are additional locations for the cleanup. If you'd like to volunteer with the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, we will be assisting with the cleanup on the West End of Dauphin Island. Parking will be free during the event. https://alabamacoastalcleanup.com/
Alabama Coastal Cleanup Event
Saturday, September 20th
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
West End Public Beach, Dauphin Island, AL 36528
Directions:
Meet Dr. Sprinkle and the University of South Alabama Marine Science Student Association (MSSA) in the parking lot at the far west end of the island. Driving onto Dauphin Island, turn right at the Water Tower—the West End Public Beach parking lot is as far west as you can drive.
Event Details
Check-in: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Sign in and pick up supplies (free T-shirt, trash bags, gloves, etc.) at the MSSA table in the parking lot.
Sign out: by 12:00 PM
Who Can Join
Friends and family are welcome!
Important: Each participant must complete this Google Form by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15 to receive a T-shirt.
Non-MAS 134/L or CAS 100 participants will need to complete a travel waiver. Travel waivers can be picked up at the Gulf and Coastal Sciences Building, formerly known as the Education and Outreach Building (600 Clinic Drive), first floor front desk, Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm. Please return signed hard copies to the GCS first floor front desk (i.e. Ms. Jordan) no later than 5pm on Friday September 18th. No electronic submissions of the travel waivers.
Service Hours
Sign up using the link below to receive South Serves hours: https://southserves.southalabama.edu/need/detail/?need_id=1310939
What to Bring
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Comfortable walking shoes (suitable for sand)
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Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunscreen, light-colored clothes, bathing suit if desired)
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Sunscreen and Bug Spray
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Hat
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Reusable water bottle (with water!)
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Snacks
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Beach towel
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Rain jacket (just in case)
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Cash or card for lunch, shopping, or exploring after the cleanup
A Few Reminders
Weather Safety: Leave the beach immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning. Your safety is our top priority. This event is weather-dependent. If you do not feel safe traveling due to weather or any other reason, please do not attend.
Dogs are not allowed on West End Beach. For the safety of wildlife and all participants, please leave pets at home when attending the Coastal Cleanup event (West End Beach).
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The West End Beach stretches over 9 miles—only walk as far as you are confident you can return by noon. Do not walk alone. Do not swim alone. Walk with a buddy and/or group and take a fully charged cell phone (reception can be spotty) as well as at least 1L of water and sunscreen.
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All participants must check in and check out at the MSSA table.
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Dr. Sprinkle has contacted the Town of Dauphin Island to request that parking fees be waived for the morning of the event. Any updates will be sent to the email address provided in the Google Survey.
Questions from Dr. Sprinkle’s students, advisees, and MSSA members should be directed to Dr. Sprinkle, sprinkle@southalabama.edu. All other inquiries may be directed to Kayla Barnette, kbarnette@disl.org
Excited?!
Get ready for a fun morning of beach “treasure” hunting—trash? Shark’s tooth? Who knows what you’ll find!
