Miami Waterkeeper to host annual clean-up event | Key Biscayne

Miami Waterkeeper, in partnership with the Everglades Foundation, will be doing some cleaning up at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

From 9 a.m.-Noon, on Saturday, April 19, a group of volunteers will gather for the third annual Earth Day Clean at the historic park, where they will collect trash and debris along the shoreline.

Also involved in the clean-up event are BLUE Missions, Ballyhoo Media, Latino Outdoors, Geared for Green and PLANTA.

“Our 3rd Annual Earth Day event represents a celebration of community environmental action at its finest,” said Erin Cover, senior education and engagement manager for Miami Waterkeeper. “This year, we’re proud to collaborate with an impressive coalition of partners.”

Cover said an invigorating beach yoga session, led by Latino Outdoors, will kick off the event by helping volunteers center themselves and connect with the natural environment before going to work.

“Following this mindful start, participants will engage in a comprehensive marine debris clean-up, removing harmful plastics and other waste that threatens our marine ecosystems and wildlife,” she said. “We’ve designed the event to be both impactful and enjoyable, with PLANTA generously donating delicious food for all volunteers, plus refreshing beverages, upbeat music and a strong sense of community spirit throughout.”

The volunteers will weigh how much trash they collected, followed by a careful sorting process with Geared for Green to ensure maximum recycling potential.

“This final step allows us to quantify our collective impact while ensuring proper disposal of the materials we remove from this precious ecosystem,” Cover said.

Cover said historic Virginia Key Beach Park holds special significance for both environmental and cultural reasons, which is why Miami Waterkeeper maintained its partnership with the park’s trust for years.

Environmentally, as a popular Miami beach, Virginia Key experiences a significant influx of marine debris daily, making it a critical location for regular clean-up efforts.

The park also carries profound historical importance as Miami’s first ‘colored only’ beach during the segregation era, established in 1945 following a bold wade-in protest at whites-only beaches.

“This historic site represents a landmark in the civil rights movement and Miami’s Black history,” Cover said. “Today, it serves as both a natural treasure and a powerful reminder of the community’s resilience and triumph over discrimination.”

For more information on volunteering in the clean-up event, visit miamiwaterkeeper.org/events.