NYSBC Program Volunteers Power Cleanups From Upstate Lakes to NY's Long Island Sound

As we approach the American Littoral Society's 40th anniversary of our New York State Beach Cleanup (NYSBC) program in 2026, we’re proud to reflect on another year of extraordinary impact made possible by our dedicated volunteers.
 
During the 2024 beach cleanup season, our statewide efforts rallied over 800 volunteers who removed more than 6,000 pounds of trash from shorelines across New York — from upstate lakes to Long Island’s coastline. This annual effort, led by our Northeast Chapter since 1985, is part of the International Coastal Cleanup and highlights the power of grassroots action.
 
This year’s Coastal Cleanup Day is Saturday, September 20, and we invite volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to join us again in protecting our shores.

As part of this work, the American Littoral Society is proud to share that we were a recipient of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) grant program for the 2023–2024 cleanup season. Our work on the Long Island Sound engaged and mobilized over 1,000 volunteers who removed over 3,000 pounds of debris from beaches that drain directly into Long Island Sound.
 
These cleanups are more than just trash removal — they directly advance LISFF goals by restoring habitats, reducing pollution, and educating communities. Every plastic wrapper, cigarette butt, and bottle cap removed is documented and contributes to real environmental change at the local and regional level.
 
Together, we’re not only cleaning up today — we’re shaping a healthier, more resilient coastline for generations to come.
 
If you want to learn more and see more detailed information and results about this program, you can visit our dedicated beach cleanup page at https://nysbeachcleanup.org/