Photo by Ester Schlimper
Looking for a hands-on way to involve your children in the protection and preservation of nature? Whether you live in Corpus Christi or other coastal areas in the state of the Texas, the Texas General Land Office 'Adopt-a-Beach' program is a great way to get involved.
This year's Fall 2009 state wide 'Adopt-a-Beach' Clean-up is being held on September 26, 2009. There are 28 sites along the coastal regions of Texas in which participants can volunteer for this project. Of those, 11 are right here in the Coastal Bend. These local sites span from beaches in Rockport all the way to Kleberg County.
Besides the obvious beautification of our beaches, Homeschoolers especially have great reasons to get involved. For example,
- It allows you an opportunity to teach your children about the preservation of our environment.
- It allows you an opportunity to teach your children about community involvement and the social responsibility of beachgoers and residents alike.
- It allows you to teach about the affects of pollution not only on marine life, but also on the economy.
- It allows you the opportunity to teach about the scientific and oceanographic reasons why large amounts of trash are found on our beaches.
Imagine seeing approximately 22.75 tons of trash. That's what was found in this area alone in the Spring Clean-Up held earlier this year and imagine never doing anything about it. What would happen to our beaches, to the nature that lives in it, and to our economy? The jist is that If we don't do anything about it, even if we weren't personally involved in trashing it, then who will? How can we enjoy our beaches if they are full of trash? How can we fish? How can we help save the natural habitats found on our beaches? We must do our part and get involved. The costs of cleaning our beaches is too much for the government to handle alone and so they have asked for our help.
It's easy to lend a hand. Volunteers need only to show up on the day of the event between 8:30am - 9:00am at 10 of the 11 designated locations here in Corpus Christi or pre-register at the Texas Adopt-a-Beach website.
The 'Adopt-a-Beach' Clean-up Day is only hosted twice yearly. Once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Other ways to support this effort include making a donation, becoming a Beach Guardian, and purchasing an 'Adopt-A-Beach' License Plate.
Those interested in joining this cause and volunteering a little time and effort can visit the 'Adopt-a-Beach' website for more information.
The following are the designated clean up site locations and contact information for the Coastal Bend area:
1. Rockport—Aransas County
Check-in: Rockport Beach Park beachfront pavilion
Contact: Tom Staley
361-729-2213, ext. 226
tom.staley@texasadoptabeach.org
2. Aransas Pass/Redfish Bay—Nueces County
Check-in: Lighthouse Lakes Park, 4 miles east of Aransas Pass on Hwy. 361
Contact: Ismael “Smiley” Nava
361-882-3439
aransaspass@texasadoptabeach.org
Richard Gonzales
361-779-7351
richard.gonzales@texasadoptabeach.org
3. Portland-San Patricio County
Check-in: Sunset Lake Park, Hwy. 181
Contact: Stacy Stork
361-777-0461
stacy.stork@texasadoptabeach.org
4. St. Jo Island/Port Aransas - Nueces County; Limited access – reservations are required for this site
Check-in: 8:00 a.m. – Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 Tarpon St.
Contact: Deno Fabrie
361-749-0256
deno.fabrie@texasadoptabeach.org
5. Port Aransas—Nueces County
Check-in: Avenue G at the beach
Contact: Deno Fabrie
361-749-0256
deno.fabrie@texasadoptabeach.org
6. Mustang Island State Park, Corpus Christi—Nueces County
Check-in: 17047 State Hwy. 361
Contact: Paul Eubank
361-749-5246
paul.eubank@texasadoptabeach.org
7. Corpus Christi Beach—Nueces County (Media Site)
Check-in: Texas State Aquarium
2710 North Shoreline Blvd.
Contact: Kristin Ralls
361-881-1321
kristin.ralls@texasadoptabeach.org
8. Cole Park (Kid’s Place), Corpus Christi—Nueces County
Check-in: 1526 Ocean Dr.
Contact: Daiquiri Richard
361-855-2888
daiquiri.richard@texasadoptabeach.org
9. North Padre Island, Corpus Christi—Kleberg County
Check-in: Padre Balli Park Office, 15820 Park Rd. 22
Contact: Jim Needham—Surfrider Foundation
361-825-2708
james.needham@texasadoptabeach.org
Todd Dwyer
361-853-9877
todd.dwyer@texasadoptabeach.org
Ilene Jantz
361-563-4119
ilene.jantz@texasadoptabeach.org
10. Padre Island National Seashore—Kleberg County
Check-in: Malaquite Visitor Center, 20420 Park Road 22
Contact: William “Buzz” Botts
361-949-8068
buzz.botts@texasadoptabeach.org
11. Baffin Bay, Rivera—Kleberg County
Check-in: Kaufer-Hubert Park, FM 628
Contact: Susan Ivy
361-595-8591
susan.ivy@texasadoptabeach.org
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