Welcome to the California Coastal Commission's Public Education Program Web Site!

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Public Education Programs


Photo by Edward A. Woods
Long Billed Curlew, Imperial Beach
Photo © Tina Carlson
  • California Coastal Cleanup Day takes place every year on the third Saturday in September. Associated with Coastal Cleanup Day is COASTWEEKS, an annual three-week celebration of our coastal and water resources, which includes activities such as nature walks, festivals, restoration events, and more.

  • Adopt-A-Beach® is our year-round, statewide beach cleanup program. Any group, public or private, can volunteer to clean any of our adoptable beaches. See "aerial art" photos from the Ocean Day Kids' Beach Cleanup.

  • The Boating Clean & Green Campaign educates boaters around the state on environmentally sound boating practices.

  • Coastal Restoration
    The Coastal Commission's Community-Based Restoration and Education Program includes an extensive volunteer restoration program at Upper Newport Bay, a guidebook to community restoration, and a high school activity guide on wetlands.

  • The Coastal Stewardship Pledge is a way for Californians of all ages to commit to protecting our coast and ocean. You may choose from a wide-ranging list of suggestions on how to protect the coast, and then pledge to follow through and complete your chosen actions. In the process, you become a “Coastal Steward” and are rewarded with a certificate and a free gift.

  • The WHALE TAIL®  Grants program distributes funds from sales of the WHALE TAIL®   License Plate. The WHALE TAIL®  Grants support programs that teach California’s children and the general public to value and take responsibility for the health of the state’s marine and coastal resources.

Visit our Resources page for more ways that the California Coastal Commission helps to educate the public.