International Coastal Cleanup Event Benefits Terra Ceia

Coastal Cleanup CrewPhoto courtesy Florida Park Service

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park continues to improve — thanks to a recent cleanup project.

The District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program staff joined forces with Keep Manatee Beautiful, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and students from Eckerd College and New College of Florida for the project. As part of the 25th annual International Coastal Cleanup, the District’s SWIM Program staff helped coordinate the Terra Ceia workday.

“The volunteers accomplished a lot in a short amount of time,” said Brandt Henningsen, District chief environmental scientist. “They made a huge impact on that area of the preserve.”

Volunteers filled 2½ dumpsters with tires, concrete, and other trash and debris from the preserve.

The International Coastal Cleanup was started by the Ocean Conservancy. While cleanups are held year-round, the annual event held near the end of each September is the largest single-day volunteer effort of its kind.