What to Expect
This cleanup takes place in and around the San Juan Creek channel.
Participants should expect:
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Walking on uneven dirt, rocks, and natural terrain.
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Steep entry and exit points into the creek.
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Shallow water, mud, and slippery surfaces.
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Carrying collected litter back up the creek bank.
What to Wear
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Sturdy hiking boots or waterproof work boots with good traction (recommended).
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Closed-toe shoes are required. No sandals or flip-flops.
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Clothing that can get dirty or wet.
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Long pants are recommended to help protect against scratches and brush.
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Hat and sunglasses.
What to Bring
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Refillable water bottle.
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Sunscreen.
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Work gloves if you have them (we'll also have gloves available).
A Few Extra Tips
Because this is a creek cleanup, you'll likely encounter more natural obstacles
than at our beach cleanups.
We encourage everyone to work at their own pace.
Every piece of litter removed helps protect our watershed and ultimately our ocean!
🚙 New Community Partner
SC Carts Joins the Cleanup!
We're excited to welcome SC Carts as our newest community partner!
Their support will help make this year's San Juan Creek Cleanup even more impactful by transporting volunteers and collected litter between cleanup locations.
Together, we're making it easier for more people to get involved and protect our local watershed.
2026 Yoga, Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn
Baby Beach & Ocean Institute
Dana Point Harbor
March 8 - Festival of Whales
April 18th- Earth Day (2nd Clothing Swap)
June 7 – World Oceans Day
July 12 – Plastic Free July
August 16 - San Juan Creek Cleanup
Sept 19 – Coastal Cleanup Day
Dec 6 – Sustainable Gift Giving
Exciting Program Updates!
Stand Up To Trash is entering a new chapter, one that allows us to deepen learning, broaden community impact and create even more meaningful ways for people to connect with the ocean.
To make room for a richer lineup of educational and community programs, we are shifting from monthly beach cleanups to six signature cleanups each year, aligned with key environmental dates and community celebrations.
These events will continue to anchor our stewardship work while allowing space for programs that offer hands-on, transformative experiences.
Sea The Change is Expanding!
Our Sea The Change initiative is expanding, opening the door for more youth from under resourced communities to get out on the water.
Through sailing, shoreline exploration and on the water learning, participants experience firsthand the effects of plastic pollution and gain the confidence and inspiration to take action in their own lives.
Cultural Collaboration With the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation
Our partnership with the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation (JBMIAN) is also deepening. Together, we are creating additional cultural learning days and hands-on experiences that honor JBMIAN heritage, celebrate local knowledge, and strengthen our shared connection to the ocean.
Expanding Community Education
Alongside these improvements, our beloved community programs continue to grow from the Citywide Scavenger Hunt to our Ocean Starts at Your Front Door school program, which helps students understand how everyday actions affect our oceans.
By expanding these programs, we’re creating more immersive, meaningful opportunities for young people, families and community members to learn, explore and care for the ocean in ways that inspire lasting change.
Our Impact
Total Weight In Pounds of Trash
18,127
Number of Participants Attended
13,774
Impact Statement
Through our environmental education initiatives, we've removed over 18,000 pounds of trash from local beaches and natural spaces, while educating more than 13,000 individuals on the importance of reducing waste and protecting the health of our planet.
Our programs are creating real change, empowering people to make more mindful choices in their everyday lives. By partnering with 18 local organizations, Title 1 schools, the local Indigenous tribe, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, we’ve expanded our reach and helped nurture a strong sense of responsibility and connection to the natural world.
As our impact grows, we remain dedicated to the long term success of our programs and are honored to uplift the voices of those who have been inspired to take action through our work.
Play Beach Cleanup BINGO
Clean the beach while playing a fun game of Beach Cleanup BINGO!
Instructions
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As you clean the beach, cross off items you find.
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Once you get 5 down, 5 across or 5 diagonal, TAG @StandUpToTrash on Instagram or Facebook, along with a PHOTO of the card AND your trash.
PAST EVENTS.
Hold a Successful Clean Up at Your Local Beach!
Decide what beach and other aquatic area (marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds) in your area that needs to be cleaned.
Safety First!
-Wear gloves to collect the debris
-Be careful with glass or other sharp objects
-Get help with anything heavy
Supplies to Bring
-Plenty of water
-Trash bags (biodegradable)
-Hand sanitizer/ wipes
-Sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
-Insect repellent
-Shoes or sneakers that protect your feet
-Reusable gloves
-First aid kit
Remember!
-Don’t collect natural items like driftwood or seaweed
-Stay out of dune areas
-Watch out for wildlife
-Avoid stepping on dune plants and beach grasses
And lastly, remember to have a good time!
Take a moment to enjoy the waves and the fresh air.
We are so lucky to live in a place with gorgeous beaches, a healthy ocean and most of all, with wonderful people.
Thank you so much for being part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you sometime soon!
Take Pictures!
Tag us on Social Media @StandUpToTrash and use hashtag #StandUpToTrash #DontPassItUpPickItUp