Green Sea Turtle Nests Highlight Upcoming Coastal Cleanup in Collier!

Keewaydin Island, Collier County, Florida, USA - As the summer sun shines on the shores of Southwest Florida, a wave of local environmental actions is set to make a significant impact this fall. The upcoming International Coastal Cleanup, organized by Keep Collier Beautiful, promises to attract volunteers eager to protect our beloved beaches and waterways. Set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., this annual event will focus on preserving the pristine beauty of Collier County’s coastal regions. According to Naples News, prior cleanups have seen overwhelming participation, with last year’s efforts involving over 1,300 volunteers who together collected a staggering 4,942 pounds of debris from local beaches.

Keep Collier Beautiful, an affiliate of the national organization Keep America Beautiful, has championed environmental stewardship since 1996. The International Coastal Cleanup is a part of its broader initiative to promote litter prevention and environmental education in our communities. Volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to take part, with opportunities for students to earn service hours. As Keep Collier Beautiful highlights, bringing friends and family along can make the experience even more rewarding.

Making Waves with Community Efforts

The impact of such cleanups is far-reaching. Beyond simply tidying up, these events help protect marine ecosystems, vital for the health of our local wildlife. Marine life, including the rare green sea turtles that recently nested on Keewaydin Island, can thrive in cleaner environments. Video footage capturing these turtles has reminded us of the beauty worth preserving. As noted by Marine Bio, beach cleanups play a crucial role in combating marine pollution, raising awareness about responsible waste disposal, and ensuring the safety of our beaches for everyone.

This year marks a notable continuation of efforts that saw a drastic increase in waste collected compared to previous years; in 2025 alone, over 2,415 pounds of trash were removed during the Great American Cleanup. Unusual finds such as dolls, roofing tar, and belt buckles serve to illustrate the extraordinary challenge posed by litter on our shores. The data collected during these cleanups not only reflects community involvement but also sheds light on the types and sources of pollution that threaten our treasured habitats.

Join the Movement on September 20