Coastal Cleanup Day
We invite you to take part in the world’s largest volunteer day to protect our environment on September 15.
Stop Wasting Stormwater
Billions of gallons of rain water are wasted each year in Los Angeles County. Please urge L.A. voters to invest in treating runoff as a resource—not a nuisance—on the ballot this November.
Reject Offshore Drilling
The White House released a draft proposal in early January to dramatically expand offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. coastal waters. Speak out against this dangerous policy.
Bring Back Ballona
If open space, climate change resilience and habitat protection are important to you, please speak up. Support robust science-based restoration for Ballona Wetlands.
Take Part
The ocean is the soul of L.A., but it needs your help. Whether you give your time, your money, or your voice, it’s easy—and rewarding—to become a Wavemaker.
How will you take part?
Give Time
Wanna roll up your sleeves at a cleanup? Or would you rather beachcomb with some binoculars? Click the appropriate category below for an enticing menu of volunteer opportunities sorted by time commitment. Interested in applying for a job with Heal the Bay and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium? View our current job openings.
- Time Commitment:
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy
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Nothin’ But Sand
What: Our monthly all-ages beach cleanup bonanza
When: 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of every month except December
Where: A different L.A. County beach each month
Note: This is a rain or shine event. Cleanups are only cancelled for lightning or thunderstorms. We will still hold the cleanup in light and steady rain. In this case, please come prepared with a rain jacket, appropriate shoes, and an umbrella.
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Request a Speaker
What: Invite an environmental science educator to deliver an interactive, fact-filled presentation on the story of Southern California’s water system and the causes of–and solutions to–marine pollution.
When: Year-round
Where: Throughout Greater L.A.
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Storm Response Team
What: A hardy crew of first-responders who remove debris from beaches after a big deluge.
When: Anytime a significant rain event strikes L.A., our SRT will be activated.
Where: Pico-Kenter stormdrain, Santa Monica
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Wednesday Warriors
What: An office odyssey every Wednesday: Creative projects, data entry, supplies inventory, and more with Heal the Bay staff
When: Wednesdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Heal the Bay HQ
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Volunteer Orientation
What: Attend one of our monthly Volunteer Orientations to learn more about Heal the Bay, our current issues, and how you can get involved with our many exciting volunteer programs.
When: Once per month.
Where: Heal the Bay HQ
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Cleanup Captains
What: These beach babes help our Nothin’ But Sand cleanups and Coastal Cleanup Day sites run smoothly.
Where: Various L.A. County beaches
How: Step 1: Attend a Volunteer Orientation. Step 2: Attend a Cleanup Captain training
Commitment: Captains must participate in at least three cleanups.
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Street Fleet
What: Street Fleeters love conservation and conversation, representing Heal the Bay at festivals, fairs, and other tabling events.
Where: Throughout Greater L.A.
How: Step 1: Attend a Volunteer Orientation. Step 2: Attend a Street Fleet training
Commitment: Volunteers should attend at least two events.
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Speakers Bureau
What: Members of our elite Speakers Bureau deliver informative and inspiring presentations on Heal the Bay’s work to groups of all ages.
Where: Throughout Greater L.A.
How: Attend all four Speakers Bureau training sessions. Note: All volunteers over 18 must pass a background check.
Commitment: Speakers must give at least four presentations.
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Nothin’ But Sand
What: Our monthly all-ages beach cleanup bonanza
When: 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of every month except December
Where: A different L.A. County beach each month
Note: This is a rain or shine event. Cleanups are only cancelled for lightning or thunderstorms. We will still hold the cleanup in light and steady rain. In this case, please come prepared with a rain jacket, appropriate shoes, and an umbrella.
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Request a Speaker
What: Invite an environmental science educator to deliver an interactive, fact-filled presentation on the story of Southern California’s water system and the causes of–and solutions to–marine pollution.
When: Year-round
Where: Throughout Greater L.A.
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Adopt-A-Beach
What: Show some TLC to an L.A. beach of your group’s choice by cleaning it up three times a year.
Where: Choose from over 25 L.A. beaches.
How: Complete the online application. Note: AAB groups must have at least 15 participants.
Commitment: Complete three cleanups within the year.
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Club Heal the Bay
What: Connect your middle- or high-school environmental club with Heal the Bay to earn service hours and special perks.
Where: Any L.A.-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.
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Request a Speaker
What: Invite an environmental science educator to deliver an interactive, fact-filled presentation on the story of Southern California’s water system and the causes of–and solutions to–marine pollution.
When: Year-round
Where: Throughout Greater L.A.
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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 Santa Monica Beach.
How: Step 1: Choose your sponsorship level. Step 2: Contact our partnerships team for more information.
Give Money
Short on time but still want to make a difference? Consider making a financial gift to Heal the Bay. With 81 cents of every donated dollar supporting science-based advocacy, grassroots community outreach, and award-winning educational programs, your contribution is a smart investment in a cleaner, bluer L.A.
Give Voice
Share a post, send a Tweet, or add your name to a pledge or petition to spread ocean awareness and love. Our online advocates always move the needle.
Volunteer Resources
Marine Debris Database
Curious about what kinds of trash we find at beach cleanups? Dig into the Marine Debris Database for an inside look at the epidemic of plastic pollution.
Stream Team
The Stream Team data portal contains a wealth of Malibu Creek water quality information. Heal the Bay staff scientists have been researching this critical habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains since 1998.
Featured Volunteers
Super Healers 2018
Our work at Heal the Bay is powered by volunteers. Meet our award-winning Super Healers 2018. These individuals truly go above and beyond their volunteer roles. They inspire others in their community, they bring amazing technology advancements to Heal the Bay, they are involved in multiple Heal the Bay volunteer programs, and they are always eager and enthusiastic.
Brenton Spies
“When I walked through the doors of the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, I was full of passion for the ocean, though not sure where that could lead. The Aquarium inspired my desire to be involved in conservation and marine science and it was here that I finally became aware of the scientist and educator within. The Aquarium was the catalyst that motivated me to pursue degrees in marine science.”
Brenton, an Aquarium volunteer and nature photographer, is working on his doctorate in biology at UCLA.
Terumi Toyoshima
“Heal the Bay gives me hope for a cleaner ocean, a cleaner planet, a better community, a better me. It has made me realize whatever I do–at the beach, at home, at work, on the street miles from the beach, or anywhere–affects the health of the ocean. Also, I like that even though we have huge events with hundreds of people, I’ve had the chance to meet wonderful people and make great friends.”
Terumi has been a Volunteer Beach Captain since 2004.
Zola Berger-Schmitz
“Heal the Bay inspired me to pursue my interest in environmental activism and then gave me the tools to mobilize my peers. Through Heal the Bay programs and training I developed important public speaking and leadership skills and was empowered to become an environmental youth advocate.”
Zola has been a Heal the Bay volunteer since she was 12.
Kelly Villasor
“Today we went to Eaton Canyon and picked up a bucket’s worth of trash. Of the many things, we had a few towels, gum wrappers, and of course, plastic water bottles. And some of the many things we saw were orange peels. Just because it’s biodegradable, doesn’t mean you can still carelessly throw it on the ground. It still takes about a whole 6 months for orange peels to decompose. During that time it can attract unwanted bugs and creatures you wouldn’t want to encounter on your hike.”
Kelly is involved in several Heal the Bay volunteer programs: Speakers Bureau, Street Fleet, and Beach Captain. Follow Kelly on Instagram.