For Our Coast, Our Community and Our Country

As our nation reflects on 250 years of independence, we are reminded that patriotism is not only about honoring our history. It is also about caring for the land and water we call home.

Here in Martin County, that means protecting our beaches, rivers, lagoon and waterways. These places are part of who we are and keeping them clean is one way we can honor the community and country.

For more than 30 years, Keep Martin Beautiful has coordinated the International Coastal Cleanup in Martin County, growing it into one of the area’s largest community cleanup efforts and a powerful tradition of local stewardship. This fall, KMB is once again preparing for the cleanup, and we want to make 2026 our strongest year yet.

Last fall, volunteers cleaned about 30 miles of beaches and waterways, removing nearly 15,000 pieces of trash weighing more than 1,500 pounds. Nearly half of that debris, 48%, was made up of microplastics and tiny items smaller than 2.5 centimeters, with plastic and foam pieces among the most common items found.

Those numbers are a powerful reminder that every piece of litter matters. Small fragments may not always stand out, but once they enter our waterways and natural habitats, they are extremely difficult to remove. They also remind us that protecting our environment starts before cleanup day, with everyday choices like reducing single-use plastics, using reusable containers and carrying refillable bottles.

On Saturday, September 19, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., volunteers across Martin County will join people around the world for the International Coastal Cleanup, a global effort led by Ocean Conservancy to help create trash-free seas.

This event is a chance for families, students, businesses, civic groups and neighbors to take direct action for the places we all love. Keep Martin Beautiful will provide cleanup supplies and volunteer T-shirts while supplies last. Preregistration is required so volunteers can be assigned to the areas most in need.

This year, let’s show up for our coast, our community and our country by making the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup the best one yet.

To volunteer or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit keepmartinbeautiful.org/international-coastal-cleanup.