Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Living along the Gulf Coast comes with perks that money cannot buy—stunning sunsets, sugar-white sand, and a tight-knit community spirit. But ask any longtime resident and they will tell you that being a true local is about more than just enjoying the coastline; it is about taking care of it.

This Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, residents across the region have the perfect opportunity to earn their official "Local Card" by volunteering in the 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup.

A Beloved Local Tradition

Since Alabama joined the International Coastal Cleanup movement in 1987, over 110,000 volunteers have stepped up to clear tens of thousands of pounds of trash from our beaches, waterways, and coastal communities. What started decades ago as a modest environmental initiative has blossomed into the state's largest annual volunteer event.

Participating in the cleanup has become a rite of passage for families, student groups, civic organizations, and local businesses. It represents a shared commitment to keeping our natural surroundings pristine and protecting local marine wildlife.

Why Your Help Matters

Trash left in inland neighborhoods, local parks, streets, and storm drains inevitably finds its way through streams and rivers, eventually becoming harmful pollution in our bays and the Gulf of Mexico. By spending four hours on a Saturday morning collecting litter, you actively interrupt this cycle, directly protecting both our natural ecosystem and the local economy that relies on clean waters.

Whether you prefer picking up debris along beachfronts, assisting in marshlands, or pitching in near neighborhood streets, every bag of trash collected makes an immediate impact.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved is simple, organized, and open to volunteers of all ages. To find a cleanup location near you, visit the official website at https://alabamacoastalcleanup.com/.

The site provides comprehensive resources to help you prepare for Saturday morning:

• Cleanup Zones: Explore mapped zones across coastal Alabama to choose where you want to serve.
• Zone Captains: Connect with designated Zone Captains for site-specific instructions, meeting spots, and supply collection.
• Safety Guidelines: Review essential safety tips, including staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, protecting fragile sand dunes, and bringing proper footwear.
• Data Tracking: Learn how to use the CleanSwell app to log the marine debris you collect, aiding global research and conservation efforts.

Set your alarm for Saturday morning, gather your family, friends, or coworkers, and head out to your nearest cleanup zone. Show your appreciation for Alabama’s coast and earn your "Local Card" by helping keep the trash out of the splash!