Tacoma: Squally Beach Community Clean Up

Join EarthCorps for a beach cleanup at Squally Beach. Beach cleanups are fun for the whole family and an exciting way to make difference while enjoying a day at the beach. Please wear shoes appropriate for walking on the beach and in muddy wet areas. Help remove marine debris from Washington’s Pacific Coast!

The Basics

Come pick up trash with an EarthCorps field crew at Squally Beach in Tacoma!

Squally Beach has historically been polluted by industrialization of the Port of Tacoma. Help us continue the process of stewarding this essential nearshore ecosystem by removing marine debris and restoring habitat for wildlife.

Registration is required. EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water, coffee, hot cocoa, and snacks. We will teach you everything you need to know! No experience necessary; just come ready to learn something new! Be sure to sign in at registration when you arrive.

For your safety and comfort please bring:

• Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
• Clothing that will protect your legs against prickly plants (no shorts, please)
• Sturdy shoes that can handle mud (closed toed shoes are required such as work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc. NO sandals, flats, or heels)
• Rain gear and warm layers -OR- sun protection ( Please check the weather!)
• Sack lunch and snacks (to refuel)
• Full water bottle (we will have a jug on-site for re-fills)
• Travel mug for tea/coffee
• If you have a favorite pair of gloves, feel free to bring them (otherwise we're happy to provide a pair)
• Trash grabbers if you have any

Warning: We will be working near a police gun range. There may be sudden loud noises that could affect sensitive people. We will provide earplugs to minimize impact, but please bring whatever is necessary to ensure your comfort.

The event will happen rain or shine!

What will volunteers be doing at the event?

We will be removing litter and marine debris on the shoreline of Squally Beach in Commencement Bay. This event will be supporting the ongoing restoration and stewardship of this important nearshore ecosystem in Commencement Bay. The EarthCrops field crew will also be providing an educational component for volunteers to learn more about Blue Carbon and its connection to the site.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure everyone can participate. Please let us know about any specific needs or concerns related to these potential tasks, and we'll work with you to find a way to make your volunteer experience rewarding and accessible.

Groups

If you are coming as a group, the group leaders are expected to have an active role in our events. After registering your group, please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org to make sure everything is in order. On the day of the event, make yourself known to the staff (in bright yellow vests) and arrive early in order to help guide your group members.

Youth Policy

Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 that are not with a parent or guardian must print and bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event.

Youth and school groups are welcome to attend; leaders should contact the Volunteer Team to take care of all necessary preparations.

Directions

The beach cleanup area does not have an address, but 3901 E 11th St, Tacoma 98421 will navigate you to the actual work site entrance.  There is no parking near the work site at this address, please park in safe pull-out areas on Marine View Drive west of E 11^th Street (east facing pullout – west facing pullout) and walk down E 11^th to the work area – look for the big dumpster on the side of the road. If there is no safe parking when you arrive, please park at the Chinook Landing Marina (3702 Marine View Dr, Tacoma, WA 98422) and we can arrange a shuttle to bring you to the site. Please call Nelson at 206-372-4255 on the day of the event with any questions or to request a pick-up from the Marina!