Join a cohort of dedicated conservationists, citizen scientists and volunteers as we work to protect water, wildlife and wild places. From litter sweeps to workshops on scientific and social topics, there are ways for everyone to get involved in your community and beyond.
Upcoming Events
Isle of Palms Beach Sweeps
Monday, May 6 and 20, 5:30–7 p.m. | 1100 Block Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms
Spring into action with Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew and South Carolina Aquarium for beach sweeps twice per month this spring season! We’ll begin with welcome sessions for new volunteers from 5:30–6 p.m. before heading out to sweep the beach for litter. Sign in and pick up supplies at the public beach walkover. We will provide instructions for volunteers to participate in a litter sweep with data collection. No advance registration is required.
Charleston Green Drinks: Climate Change and Resilience
Thursday, May 9, 6–8 p.m. | 289 Huger Street, Charleston
Join local conservation organizations at Palmetto Brewing Company as we connect and talk about local efforts to address climate change and improve resilience. Hear from Aubrey Anthony, resilience coordinator at the South Carolina Aquarium, and their resilience work in local communities. Subject matter experts will available for informal conversations directly following!
Learn more HERE.
Kiawah Island Sweep
Saturday, May 18, 9–11 a.m. | 876 Kiawah Island Parkway, Kiawah Island
Kiawah Conservancy and South Carolina Aquarium are hosting monthly litter sweeps at Mingo Point. Volunteers will choose a sweep location on the island, disperse for their cleanup and then return to drop off supplies and share their impact. Get involved to keep litter and plastic pollution from entering our environment.
Sign up for sweep reminders HERE.
Toby’s Mid-May Sweep
Sunday, May 19, 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Folly Beach Pier, Folly Beach
Catch some afternoon rays with Toby the Turtle and the South Carolina Aquarium! Meet at the picnic tables under the Folly Beach pier before setting out to clean up the beachfront and nearby roadway. All supplies will be provided and no advance registration is required. Afterwards, participants may enjoy discounts at participating local businesses.
Learn more HERE.
Conservation in Action
- Capers Island Cleanup Excursion
- Chicora Changers Beach Sweep at Isle of Palms
- Tidal Creek Excavation with SCDNR SCORE
- Folly Beach Litter Sweep Event
- King Tide Flooding Measurement at SeaRise Sign in Charleston
- Marsh Grass Planting in Maryville
- Shem Creek Litter Sweep with J. B. Edwards Elementary
- Saltmarsh Sweep with Charleston Waterkeeper
- MLK Day of Service Litter Sweep and Food Drive
- Liberty Square Litter Sweep
Your Data Matters!
Want to be a true citizen scientist? Litter data is critical in identifying the most problematic debris and can be a powerful tool in helping to develop solutions for reducing trash. We encourage litter sweep participants to log the items they pick up from land and water. Help be part of the solution by using the Litter Journal, a project in the South Carolina Aquarium Citizen Science app, when you sweep in your community.
The South Carolina Aquarium Citizen Science app is available in the App Store and on Google Play.