Beach Cleanups

Beach cleanups are the last defense against ocean pollution. Heal the Bay volunteers have removed more than 4 million pieces of trash from LA’s coastline. Adopt-a-Beach, Partner with Heal the Bay for a Corporate Cleanup or join us for one of our monthly Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanups. There are so many ways to protect what you love!

Keep Our Coastline Safe and Clean for ALL

How will you take part?

Give Time

Wanna roll up your sleeves at a cleanup? Or would you rather educate your students with a guest speaker or field trip to Heal the Bay Aquarium? Or maybe you’d love to help your company give back?

Select a tab below to get the low down on our Aquarium, Beach, Outreach, Community Science and Youth programs and opportunities.


Give Money

Short on time but still want to make a difference? Consider making a financial gift to Heal the Bay. Support science-based advocacy, grassroots community action, and award-winning educational programs. Your contribution is a smart investment in a cleaner, bluer LA.


Give Voice

Change starts in your community. Get involved in protecting the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles using your voice:

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Volunteer Resources

Marine Debris Data Tracking

Download the Marine Debris Tracker app on your mobile device or print out our Cleanup Data Card and take a pencil to track your finds. Another useful resource for on-the-go trash collection and tracking is the CleanSwell app. Curious about what kinds of trash we find at cleanups in Los Angeles County? Our team can give you an inside look at the epidemic of single-use plastic, cigarette butts, PPE items (face masks and gloves), and more. Our volunteers have tracked more than 4 million pieces of trash, so reach out for more info.

Beach & River Report Cards

Is your favorite swimming or fishing spot safe? Search for the latest water quality grades, alerts, and information at your favorite beach using the Beach Report Card — an app that provides A-to-F water quality grades for more than 650 beaches along the West Coast of the United States. Similarly, the River Report Card rates dozens of local freshwater recreation areas in Los Angeles County, California. Scientists at Heal the Bay also release yearly reports on local water quality trends.

Featured Volunteers

Sophia von der Ohe

“I love volunteering at Heal the Bay because it offers so many rewarding opportunities to preserve the natural world and give back to the community. From seeing the joy in children’s eyes as they touch a sea star for the first time, to collecting data that can be used to protect our beaches, as well as collecting over 30 pounds of plastic that will now never enter the ocean- I have enjoyed every second of it. It has been incredibly meaningful to take an active part in protecting our Bay and a privilege to share what I have learned with others.” – Sophia has been a volunteer since 2019 and is involved in several programs: Heal the Bay Aquarium Public Programs, Storm Response Team, MPA Watch, and beach cleanups.