Eight Reasons I Adopted a Beach

I coordinate a monthly cleanup at North Hampton State Beach, as part of The Blue Ocean Society's Adopt-a-Beach program in New Hampshire. I've been doing it since August 2009.

Here's why...

1. Because I care.

Other New Hampshire beaches had been adopted and were being cleaned, but North Hampton's wasn't and I thought it should be. I live here and I love that little beach... in spite of its physical and bureaucratic imperfections.

2. Low time commitment, high satisfaction quotient.

It's only a couple of hours a month! As for the satisfaction...

3. Socializing.

The nicest sort of cheerful, engaged people of all ages and interests come out to help. And I communicate with them face to face, rather than just on Facebook. Scouts, students, and young (supervised) children are welcome!

4. Trash and treasure.

We find all sorts of interesting, cool, disgusting, weird, fascinating stuff.

5. Humans are messy.

When seals and whales and seabirds and fish get entangled and choked by the detritus of our existence, well, it's just embarrassing, sad and stupid. Even when it's accidental. We can do better. Also, a dirty beach is unpleasant and sometimes unhealthful for people and animals too.

6. It counts as community service.

As a mother, I'm in the habit of picking up after other people. As a recent empty-nester, I now have a useful and socially-acceptable outlet for this compulsion. And people actually thank me for it!

7. The big picture.

The data we collect during cleanups is combined with other regional and international data to increase knowledge and action on marine pollution. Our little beach is connected, in many ways, with the rest of the world.

8. Serious fresh air

Until I'm there, I can forget what a pretty place it is in all seasons. Living among tall trees, and within four walls, and riding around in cars, nothing beats the horizon views, quality and variety of light and color, and sound of the surf at the edge of the ocean.

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."  - John Muir

Our next cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10, promptly at 9 a.m. at North Hampton State Beach. We meet at the southern end of the long parking lot, across from . Supplies like trash bags, data cards, disposable gloves and instructions are provided.

In 2012, cleanups at North Hampton State Beach will be the third Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. Volunteers are ALWAYS needed. The more people we get, the better job we do.

Just show up to help, or contact me with questions and rsvps at amykane@comcast.net.

More...

For info about beach cleanups at North Hampton and other area beaches, as well as regional marine conservation issues, please visit the Blue Ocean Society website. Read about the Adopt-a-Beach program (some local beaches are currently available), pollution research, the Pet Waste project, ways you can prevent marine debris, and more.