Calusa Land Trust participates in International Coastal Cleanup Day along Pine Island shore
The mission of the Calusa Land Trust of Pine Island is “To protect the natural diversity and beauty of Pine Island.”
In keeping with that mission, CLT partnered with Keep Lee County Beautiful on the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, Sept. 19. CLT gathered a team of 28 volunteers and were able to cover about 38 miles of Pine Island’s shoreline. Volunteers set out in kayaks, canoes and powerboats in St James City, Manatee Bay, Pineland and Bokeelia.
Volunteers brought in about 250 pounds of debris recovered from the mangroves and shoreline. Trash items ranged from many yards of fishing line, Styrofoam of all sizes and a wooden shelf. Some debris was too large for kayaks and a 55-gallon drum near Pineland Marina will have to be picked up with a bigger boat.
Plastic drink bottles and fishing line were the most frequently found trash — all hazardous to marine and bird life.
Volunteers observed less trash to be found in the mangroves and waterways than in past years which is a testament to their constant vigilance in picking up trash when they are out on local waterways. Everyone is urged to be more conscious and conscientious about loose bottles and items in boats so they don’t blow out and litter the water.
Though Saturday was designated Coastal Cleanup Day, every day can be Coastal Cleanup Day if everyone do their part.
For more information on future CLT activities and to become a member, go to calusalandtrust.org or visit our Facebook page Calusa Land Trust.