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Contact: Markus Williams, 410-629-6077
Contact: Gretchen Knapp, 410-629-6084
Berlin, MD--Assateague Island needs you! Saturday, September 23rd is National Public Lands Day and to celebrate we are having a beach cleanup. In the Maryland District, join Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague Coastal Trust, Assateague State Park, and Assateague OSV Count to help clean up the island. In the Virginia District, join the Assateague Island National Seashore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for a beach cleanup. Entrance fees are waived in the National Seashore (MD) and in the National Wildlife Refuge (VA) for the day.
In the Maryland District:
- Assateague Island National Seashore - Coastal Cleanup in Partnership with Assateague Coastal Trust from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Check-in at North Ocean Beach Parking Lot at Assateague Island National Seashore.
- 8:00 am - 10:00 am, NPS staff will shuttle interested volunteers to the northern 9 km of the island. No pets or children in car seats allowed in NPS vehicles.
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, clean up around the campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, parking lots. Pets are welcome on a 6’ leash.
- Trash bags provided. Bring work gloves, sunscreen, hat, closed-toed shoes, and water recommended.
- Oversand Vehicle Zone cleanup from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Private 4WD vehicles with OSV permits. Check-in coordinated by Assateague OSV Count at the OSV entrance. For registration information contact Assateague OSV Count.
- Assateague State Park - Cleanup from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Check-in at the State Park Day Use beach boardwalk. Trash bags provided, please bring gloves. For information contact: friendsofasp@gmail.com
In the Virginia District:
- Coastal Cleanup from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Check-in at the Toms Cove Visitor Center deck located near the beach. (410-641-1441 press 2)
- No pets allowed in the Virginia District, even in your car.
- Trash bags provided. Work gloves, sunscreen, hat, closed-toed shoes, and water recommended.
All volunteers are reminded to bring work gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent and water. If you have questions or intend to bring a large group to participate in the cleanup, please contact Markus Williams (Maryland) at markus_williams@nps.gov or at 410-629-6077 or Gretchen Knapp (Virginia) at gretchen_knapp@nps.gov or at 410-629-6084.
Last updated: September 19, 2023