We Came For Treasure And Left With Trash

Our Weekly Beach Clean Ups in Delaware State Parks

Last week the DSF beach clean up volunteers scoured Beach Plum Island state park’s drive on beach and walk on area. As the group was walking on we passed a couple leaving the beach. They had two plastic grocery bags stuffed full of trash. “We got all of this on the southside of the beach, we cane for treasure and are leaving with trash. We always clean up trash when we walk the beach.” When that happens we always wonder if there will be any trash left, the sea never disappoints in this case. Trash washes up between every tide cycle. The Gatorade bottle below washed up just as I walked on the beach.

It is great to see and hear people are just cleaning the beaches on their own. Our weekly clean ups get a variety of people to participate. Depending on location, governs who drops by to help. Last Sunday we had a new supervisor, Coral “the reef” Trench. She and her dad Jeff came out to help. She was awesome, and eighth year old girl reminding some of the “treasure Hunters” they are supposed to be picking up trash. Always great to see the kids come out and help. We pick up trash and treasure, and Coral found some treasure s of her own. The greatest treasure is giving back to the parks and beaches.

Coral was a boss at cleaning. She came up to the group on the beach yelling. “Dad I found a fish!” She had an Altantic Silverside in her hand. She was about to put it in her collection bag. Her dad Jeff and I were like nooooo, you don’t want to do that. He looked at me and I said “You might want to check that bag later, just saying.” Coral was a trooper. When you ask her name, she will tell you. “Coral like “the reef”.

Next week we will meet at the point comfort station bathhouse in Cape Henlopen State park and start at 9 AM. Big thanks to DS Custom Tackle for providing water and Iron Hill Brewery for feeding the beach clean up crew every week. It doesn’t take much effort to clean up trash at the beach on your own. But at times it takes a village to make a difference. It may not be your trash, but these are our beaches and we want to keep them clean.

Fish On!
Rich King