This Earth Month at Heal the Bay served as a reminder of something simple but powerful: change doesn’t start somewhere else, it starts where we are.
From science to education to volunteering, actions both big and small added up to create real impact.
This month, we said “no more” to the single-use plastic problem.
We uncovered the truth about plastic pollution with the In-Disposable webinar. Heal the Bay’s Senior Marine Scientist Emily Parker dove into the origins of plastic pollution, tracing how it became so deeply embedded in daily life and what it takes to turn the tide.
That momentum was carried into policy and everyday action. The Reusable LA coalition launched the all-new Hold the Plastic guide, giving Angelenos an easy way to take plastic reduction into their own hands and look up the latest local laws for restaurants and businesses across the city. Search up the laws that apply to you and your favorite restaurants and discover tools to help businesses reduce single-use plastic waste.
Volunteer action took over Santa Monica Pier Beach
At the April Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup, more than 800 participants gathered at Santa Monica Pier Beach, one of LA’s most iconic (and most polluted) beaches, and removed over 220 pounds of trash. Each piece collected represents one less threat to marine life and a step toward a healthier coastline. There’s a reason why thousands of people across the region have joined Heal the Bay’s clean ups: they’re as impactful as they are fun.
Join us for our next clean up: Heal the Bay’s annual Nothin’ But Nature inland clean up at Whittier Narrows! Register now.
But clean ups alone can’t tackle every pollution problem.
At the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay’s science team has been hard at work testing ocean water for fecal indicator bacteria, monitoring a serious issue that continues to impact one of Los Angeles’ most visited beaches.
This location regularly earns an F on the Beach Report Card and has appeared on the Beach Bummer’s list year after year due to consistently high bacteria levels, making it unsafe for swimming.
In response, Heal the Bay has partnered with the City of Santa Monica to launch a dedicated Task Force focused on identifying pollution sources and advancing real, long-term solutions.
As testing continues, updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
Stay informed about the water quality of your favorite beach at beachreportcard.org or through the Beach Report Card app. Plus, stay tuned for the reveal of Heal the Bay’s annual Beach and River Report Cards, a comprehensive report of your local watershed and coastal health, coming May 21!
A closer look at local ecosystems revealed opportunities for impact.
Two sold-out BioBlitz events at the Manhattan Beach Dunes and Temescal Canyon Park brought community scientists outdoors to document biodiversity and restore a habitat impacted by the Palisades Fire.
Our Heal the Bay community remained at the center of it all.
During the Earth Month Open House, supporters came together to celebrate, connect, and support Heal the Bay Aquarium following recent flooding. With live performances, dancing, and interactive experiences, the event highlighted how joy and environmental action can exist side by side.
And beneath the waves, there is still hope.
In The Comeback: Saving the Sunflower Sea Star From Extinction webinar, the spotlight turned to a critically endangered species and its vital role in ocean health. Our expert aquarists explored how the decline of the sunflower sea star has harmed local marine ecosystems and how Heal the Bay Aquarium is helping lead efforts to support its recovery.
Earth Month 2026 may be coming to a close, but the work continues.
“Start Where You Are” is more than a saying, it’s a mindset. Because when action begins where we are, meaningful change becomes possible.
Start Here:
Start with a donation: Support Heal the Bay’s work to protect coastal waters and advance a healthier, more resilient future for our ocean and communities. • Start with the health of your favorite beach: Stay tuned for the launch of the Annual Beach and River Report Card on May 21, live on Instagram. • Start by getting involved: Attend an upcoming volunteer orientation to deepen your knowledge and discover new ways to make an impact. • Start with an email you actually look forward to: Subscribe to the newsletter for ongoing updates, advocacy, and ways to take action from anywhere.
Protect what you love! Volunteer with Heal the Bay.
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, May 14
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay Aquarium – 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Connect with a passionate community tackling environmental issues in Los Angeles.
Develop valuable personal and professional skills.
Gain the confidence to advocate for a healthier planet.
Enjoy exclusive volunteer events and opportunities.
By completing this Volunteer Orientation, you’ll unlock opportunities to:
Monitor marine protected areas with MPA Watch
Lead beach cleanups as a Beach Captain
Participate in Aquarium Volunteer Training
Join us for exclusive volunteer events
Parking Information:
The closest parking is at Lot 1 North and Lot 1 South in Santa Monica.
The City of Santa Monica has begun construction at the Santa Monica Pier. Due to this, our loading and unloading zone is currently unavailable. Guests may still park in Lot 1 North, but should be aware of potential construction-related blockages. Lot 1 South remains fully open and available for parking.
What to Bring:
No materials are needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to meet fellow ocean lovers!
🌊 Ready to make a difference? Register now to start your journey with Heal the Bay and help protect our local coastal waters.
Protect what you love! Volunteer with Heal the Bay.
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, April 9
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay HQ – 1444 9th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Protect what you love! Volunteer with Heal the Bay.
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, March 12
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay Aquarium – 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Connect with a passionate community tackling environmental issues in Los Angeles.
Develop valuable personal and professional skills.
Gain the confidence to advocate for a healthier planet.
Enjoy exclusive volunteer events and opportunities.
By completing this Volunteer Orientation, you’ll unlock opportunities to:
Monitor marine protected areas with MPA Watch
Lead beach cleanups as a Beach Captain
Participate in Aquarium Volunteer Training
Join us for exclusive volunteer events
Parking Information:
The closest parking is at Lot 1 North and Lot 1 South in Santa Monica.
The City of Santa Monica has begun construction at the Santa Monica Pier. Due to this, our loading and unloading zone is currently unavailable. Guests may still park in Lot 1 North, but should be aware of potential construction-related blockages. Lot 1 South remains fully open and available for parking.
What to Bring:
No materials are needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to meet fellow ocean lovers!
🌊 Ready to make a difference? Register now to start your journey with Heal the Bay and help protect our local coastal waters.
Protect what you love! Volunteer with Heal the Bay.
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, February 12
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay Aquarium – 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Connect with a passionate community tackling environmental issues in Los Angeles.
Develop valuable personal and professional skills.
Gain the confidence to advocate for a healthier planet.
Enjoy exclusive volunteer events and opportunities.
By completing this Volunteer Orientation, you’ll unlock opportunities to:
Monitor marine protected areas with MPA Watch
Lead beach cleanups as a Beach Captain
Participate in Aquarium Volunteer Training
Join us for exclusive volunteer events
Parking Information:
The closest parking is at Lot 1 North and Lot 1 South in Santa Monica.
The City of Santa Monica has begun construction at the Santa Monica Pier. Due to this, our loading and unloading zone is currently unavailable. Guests may still park in Lot 1 North, but should be aware of potential construction-related blockages. Lot 1 South remains fully open and available for parking.
What to Bring:
No materials are needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to meet fellow ocean lovers!
🌊 Ready to make a difference? Register now to start your journey with Heal the Bay and help protect our local coastal waters.
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, January 15
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay Aquarium – 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Connect with a passionate community tackling environmental issues in Los Angeles.
Develop valuable personal and professional skills.
Gain the confidence to advocate for a healthier planet.
Enjoy exclusive volunteer events and opportunities.
By completing this Volunteer Orientation, you’ll unlock opportunities to:
Monitor marine protected areas with MPA Watch
Lead beach cleanups as a Beach Captain
Participate in Aquarium Volunteer Training
Join us for exclusive volunteer events
Parking Information:
The closest parking is at Lot 1 North and Lot 1 South in Santa Monica.
The City of Santa Monica has begun construction at the Santa Monica Pier. Due to this, our loading and unloading zone is currently unavailable. Guests may still park in Lot 1 North, but should be aware of potential construction-related blockages. Lot 1 South remains fully open and available for parking.
What to Bring:
No materials are needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to meet fellow ocean lovers!
🌊 Ready to make a difference? Register now to start your journey with Heal the Bay and help protect our local coastal waters.
Protect what you love! Volunteer with Heal the Bay!
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: November 14
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay Aquarium – 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Protect what you love! Volunteer with Heal the Bay!
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: October 16
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay Aquarium – 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Protect what you love! Volunteer with Heal the Bay!
Take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
📅 Date: September 4
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Heal the Bay Aquarium – 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Speakers Bureau Water Educators Training: August 2025
The ocean needs you more than ever! Turn your passion for the environment into meaningful action. Join our 4-day advocacy training and become a champion for protecting the coastal waters you love.
Please note that all training sessions are in-person. Virtual options are not currently available. Trainings are held at Heal the Bay HQ (1444 Ninth St, Santa Monica), except 8/16, at Will Rogers State Beach.
Calling all water-lovers who also love public speaking! Join Heal the Bay in our upcoming Speakers Bureau August 2025 training, where you will learn how to give talks on topics such as ocean pollution, the DDT contamination issue in the South Bay, environmental justice, and the storm drain system to residents of Los Angeles County.
If you want to gain more experience in public speaking and deepen your knowledge of water issues in Los Angeles, this training is for you. Speakers Bureau is one of Heal the Bay’s community outreach programs that takes volunteers throughout Los Angeles County to different schools and businesses to give engaging and educational lectures. We will proudly host our training in-person on two Thursdays and two Saturdays in August. This includes 3 in-person educational training sessions, as well as a session on the sand at our monthly Nothin’ But Sand cleanup.
Trainees are expected to attend all 4 training sessions in order to become a full-fledged member of the Speakers Bureau team. However, there are options for levels of participation in the program, and volunteers can opt to focus solely on Beach Safety Talks. If there are time constraints, please let us know!
The August 2025 Speakers Bureau training is completely free, and snacks will be provided. Folks who complete the entire training will also receive certificates of completion, a special bag of props, and a Heal the Bay shirt to proudly represent at Speakers Bureau talks.
Please reach out to Kayleigh with any questions and concerns: kwade@healthebay.org
Second day of training! Come practice your Beach Safety Talks at our monthly Nothin’ But Sand cleanup, located at Will Rogers State Beach. Perfect opportunity to practice before Coastal Cleanup Day.
Day 3! Join us at our Santa Monica office for a hands-on activity on understanding climate change and understanding what our roles are as we tackle it.
The future of California’s kelp forests depends on the sunflower sea star, and the future of this species could all depend on her.
Join Heal the Bay Aquarium Associate Director of Operations Laura Rink as she takes you behind the scenes of our urgent work to save the critically endangered sunflower sea star.
That momentum was carried into policy and everyday action. The Reusable LA coalition launched the all-new Hold the Plastic guide, giving Angelenos an easy way to take plastic reduction into their own hands and look up the latest local laws for restaurants and businesses across the city. Search up the laws that apply to you and your favorite restaurants and discover tools to help businesses reduce single-use plastic waste.
At the April Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup, more than 800 participants gathered at Santa Monica Pier Beach, one of LA’s most iconic (and most polluted) beaches, and removed over 220 pounds of trash. Each piece collected represents one less threat to marine life and a step toward a healthier coastline. There’s a reason why thousands of people across the region have joined Heal the Bay’s clean ups: they’re as impactful as they are fun.
