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.
- Time Commitment:
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy
Nothin’ But Sand
What: Our monthly all-ages beach cleanup bonanza
When: 10am to Noon on the third Saturday of every month (except December)
Where: A different LA County beach each month
Note: Tickets are very limited for COVID-19 health and safety reasons and we announce the location only a few weeks in advance. Sold out or cancelled? Bookmark our Events calendar and sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to know where we’ll be next. Learn more about Heal the Bay cleanups.
Safe Clean Water Program
What: The Safe Clean Water Program Watershed Coordinators are working to understand priorities and needs from local communities. Watershed Coordinators will use your feedback to inform decision-making around infrastructure projects.
Where: Central and South Santa Monica Bay watershed areas
How: Take part online
Volunteer Orientation
What: Attend one of our Volunteer Orientations to learn more about Heal the Bay, our current issues, and how you can get involved with our exciting Aquarium, Beach, Outreach, Community Science, and Youth volunteer programs
When: Volunteer Orientations are held on the 2nd Thursday of every other month, in person at Heal the Bay Aquarium from 6:30 PM- 8 PM
Find dates and register for our next Volunteer Orientation HERE!
Adopt-a-Beach
About: Our Adopt-a-Beach program gives individuals and households the opportunity to learn and participate in the conservation of our natural and coastal resources.
What: Commit to showing some TLC to your favorite outdoor space and receive a virtual presentation from Heal the Bay’s Speakers Bureau before your first cleanup as well as educational resources.
Where: Choose your neighborhood, beach, park, creek, or trail near you in Los Angeles County, California. Get started by completing our online application.
Commitment: Complete three cleanups within a year and get an official Certificate of Completion.
Nothin’ But Sand
What: Our monthly all-ages beach cleanup bonanza
When: 10am to Noon on the third Saturday of every month (except December)
Where: A different LA County beach each month
Note: Tickets are very limited for COVID-19 health and safety reasons and we announce the location only a few weeks in advance. Sold out or cancelled? Bookmark our Events calendar and sign up for our e-newsletter to be the first to know where we’ll be next. Learn more about Heal the Bay cleanups.
Request a Speaker
What: Invite an environmental science speaker to give an interactive, fact-filled presentation virtually on the story of Southern California’s water system. Our talks include: Climate Reality, Know the Flow, Ocean Pollution, What Stormwater Can Do For Us, and History of DDT and Fish Contamination in Los Angeles
When: Year-round
Where: Anywhere in LA County
*Due to COVID-19 related school orders, we are offering presentations virtually. If you are a teacher or parent looking for educational content for children, check out our Knowledge Drops webinar archive.
Club Heal the Bay
What: Connect your school environmental club with Heal the Bay to earn service hours and special perks
Where: Any LA-area middle or high school with an existing environmental club
How: Register online
Commitment: Participate in a minimum of three Heal the Bay volunteer events per school year
School Field Trips
What: Hands-on learning for K-5 classroom enrichment at Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier
When:45 minute Virtual Field Trip Experience offered Tuesday through Friday from 12:30PM – 1:15PM
Where: Heal the Bay Aquarium
Request a Speaker
What: Invite an environmental science speaker to give an interactive, fact-filled presentation virtually on the story of Southern California’s water system. Our talks include: Climate Reality, Know the Flow, Ocean Pollution, What Stormwater Can Do For Us, and History of DDT and Fish Contamination in Los Angeles
When: Year-round
Where: Anywhere in LA County
*Due to COVID-19 related school orders, we are offering presentations virtually. If you are a teacher or parent looking for educational content for children, check out our Knowledge Drops webinar archive.
Suits on the Sand
What: An educational presentation followed by a beach cleanup to build your business team’s morale and enhance your company’s environmental commitment
Where: Cleanups are held at a variety of beaches in LA County
Corporate and Foundation Giving
What: Heal the Bay relies on the generosity and commitment of its corporate and foundation supporters every day. Grants, sponsorships and partnerships make it possible for us to pursue our important mission of making California coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean.
Where: Anywhere
When: Year-round
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:
- Like and Retweet this Tweet
- Sign up for our Volunteer Orientation to become a Heal the Bay volunteer
- Add your name to our DDT petition
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.