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
Toby’s Earth Month Island-Wide Spring Litter Sweep
Sunday, April 7, 1–3 p.m. | Various locations throughout Folly Beach
Join us as we celebrate Earth Month with an island-wide litter sweep on Folly Beach! Let’s work together to keep litter and plastic pollution off our streets and out of our waterways just ahead of sea turtle nesting season.
Sign up for a sweep location HERE.
Isle of Palms Beach Sweeps
Monday, April 8 and 22, 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: Environmental Justice
Thursday, April 11, 6–8 p.m. | 289 Huger Street, Charleston
Join local conservation organizations at Palmetto Brewing Company as we connect and talk about local environmental justice initiatives. Following brief introductions, spotlight organizations will be available for informal conversations.
Learn more HERE.
Kiawah Island Sweep
Saturday, April 20, 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.
Firefly Feast at the Boathouse at Breach Inlet
Sunday, April 21, noon–3 p.m. | 101 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms
Take in picturesque waterfront views on April 21 at noon during the Firefly Feast hosted by Good Catch partner The Boathouse at Breach Inlet! This midday meal, curated by Chef Robert Drake, features six courses of locally sourced and sustainable seafood with Firefly Distillery libations incorporated into each dish. Hear from Louden Porter, our Good Catch coordinator, Ryan Groschel from Sea Island Oyster Co. and Jeff Massey of Livingston Bulls Bay Seafood as you dine on these delectable dishes, learn where this seafood came from and why it is important to support sustainable fisheries. Must be 21+; additional beverages available for purchase onsite.
Reserve your spot HERE.
Care for Gadsden Creek Cleanup
Monday, April 22, 3–4:30 p.m. | 210 President’s Street, Charleston
Celebrate Earth Day with friends, family or co-workers by cleaning up this urban wetland and roadway in downtown Charleston! Meet staff and volunteers from the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, Friends of Gadsden Creek and the South Carolina Aquarium at Harmon Field where all supplies and instructions will be provided before setting out to clean up this important community!
Register HERE.
Cherry Point Boat Landing Sweep
Sunday, April 28, 2–3:30 p.m. | Cherry Point Road, Wadmalaw Island
Bring the whole family to this beautifully located litter sweep hosted by Keep Wadmalaw Beautiful and the South Carolina Aquarium. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle and dress for the weather (with shoes you don’t mind getting a little bit dirty). The Cherry Point Boat Landing is tucked away at the end of Boat Landing Alley (off Cherry Point Rd) and is where we will gather before spreading out to remove litter from the marsh, road and parking areas. All supplies and instructions will be provided to conduct a litter sweep with data collection.
Learn more HERE.
Murrells Inlet Spring Tide Community Cleanup
Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m.–noon | 4939 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet
Enjoy a family day at Morse Park Landing starting with the community cleanup followed by a chowder cook-off! Sign in and pick up supplies at the park next to Hot Fish Club, then head out to remove litter from the marsh, roads and community. Food and live music will begin at noon and is free to all volunteers. Be sure to bring a reusable water bottle and dress for the weather!
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.