This year, the meeting times will be staggered for the tides to allow for optimal opportunities for volunteers to clean up as much litter as possible along the shorelines. Volunteers can join TPF at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park at 500 Wonderwood Drive from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants can let the gate attendant know there are there for the Timucuan Parks Foundation cleanup to gain free entry to the park.
TPF will host volunteers at Fort Caroline National Memorial from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The national park is at 12713 Fort Caroline Road. Helpers should meet at the visitor’s center. National Park Service rangers will lead volunteers down to the shoreline. The other TPF cleanup will be at Reddie Point Preserve at 4499 Yachtsman Way from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those assisting at this location should meet at the pavilion by the pier.
Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty. A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended. Volunteers are also asked to bring work gloves, if they have them, and a full reusable water bottle. TPF will provide disposable gloves and trash bags, courtesy of Keep Jacksonville Beautiful and the city of Jacksonville. Additional water to refill water bottles, grabbers, and snacks will also be onsite.
Participants of all ages are welcome. Children under sixteen must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or scout leader. Those under eighteen must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Waivers can be found at timucuanparks.org/volunteer/. Volunteers are eligible for community service hours.
International Coastal Cleanup Day raises awareness of water pollution and its impact on the planet. For more information about the event, contact TPF at [email protected] or call (904) 374-1107.