Take the Bus for Big Blue to the March for the Ocean on June 9

Come show your love and concern for the Ocean on Saturday, June 9 at the historicMarch for the Ocean in Washington, DC. We're making it easy for you to participate in the M4O. All you have to do is get on the bus.

The American Littoral Society, Clean Ocean Action and Surfrider have partnered to give you a free ride on the Bus for Big Blue. It will pick up passengers at two locations in New Jersey, deliver them to the rally site in DC, then bring them back at the end of the day. Those who get on board will march alongside fellow ocean lovers from all over the world as we say NO to offshore oil drilling, NO to plastic and other forms of ocean pollution, and YES to protecting our coasts and ensuring clean water for all.

Read on for more March for the Ocean information, including important information for the day of the march.

Reserve Your Free Seat on the Bus

Be part of this celebration and let Congress know that ocean and coastal issues matter to the people of New Jersey. Remember, New Jersey is still on the list for offshore oil and gas leasing, which could lead to disaster for the state's economy and environment. The state is also taking steps to reduce ocean pollution, protect the coast from natural disaster, and improve water quality for both tourists and those who live here all year. With this march, tell federal officials that We the People expect their help and support in these efforts in New Jersey and beyond.

The day of activities will include a rally at the Washington Monument, inspirational speakers, musical performances, and a march around the National Mall and White House.

This will be big and you can be part of it! To get your ticket, click the button below.

Reserve Your Free Seat on the Bus

Departure: There are two pick up locations. First pick-up is at Monmouth Service Area on the Garden State Parkway, Rest Area Exit 100. Pickup will occur at 6 a.m. The buses will leave at 6 a.m.

The second pick-up (ACTION REQUIRED) is in South Jersey at GSP Atlantic Service Area, Commuter Lot, Milepost 41.4. Pickup will occur no later than 7:10 a.m. Please be there by 6:50 a.m.

LINK FOR SECOND PICK-UP STOP!

We need to get a count of those who will be getting on at that second stop. So, please click THIS LINK and fill out your name ONLY if you plan to get on at the second pickup location. This ensures that we know that we should not look for you at our first stop at the Monmouth Service Area. Both buses will go to both locations. There will be Society staff at BOTH locations.

Arrival: 10:15 a.m. in Washington, DC We will lead folks to the starting point for the rally and march. From there you'll have contact cell phones of staff in case you need anything.  

While in DC: See the March website for the schedule during the day - which includes gathering together near the Washington Monument, the March around the White House, and then an afternoon rally with inspirational speakers.

Return: Meet back at buses at 3:45 p.m. Our buses will leave Washington D.C. at 4 p.m. SHARP to return to departure points (we expect a four hour ride each way).

How much: The Society wants to ensure our members and supporters can attend this great event. Seats on the bus are FREE until we hit capacity, but you must be a FIRM commitment to register.

What to bring:

• SIGNS AND POSTERS about the ocean. Get creative!
• WEAR BLUE so we are a sea of blue along the March route around the White House and on the Mall.
• ANYTHING you may need for a long day away from home, including back-up phone batteries or small coolers for food and drink. There will likely be food around the area of the march/rally at the Washington Monument (think standard tourist food trucks). However, it is not clear whether there will be vendors close by. We also will not stop on the way home for dinner, though there will likely be a stop to refill the buses and an opportunity to get snacks. So please make plans to bring dinner or find food before we leave at 4pm for New Jersey.
• DRESS for variable weather. Bring extra clothes, as well as sunscreen and bug spray. Make sure you're prepared to carry some things around as we won't have access to the buses between drop-off in DC and our return to the buses at 4 p.m.

Registration: Click Here to Reserve your seat now through June 8.

If you have any questions at all, please call:
Sarah Winter Whelan, American Littoral Society at 503.267.9577 (up to day of needs/questions)
Helen Henderson, American Littoral Society at 732.546.2514 (day of needs/questions)

We are SO excited to March with you on June 9th!