Cleaning Up Mission Beach
On March 12, I hosted my first beach cleanup as an intern with Marine Programs Coordinator Marie Diaz at Mission Beach near Belmont Park. It was a beautiful sunny day and perfect conditions for people to come together and give their time to help maintain San Diego’s clean beaches.
I loved seeing how many people were eager to help out, whether they had signed up before the date or just happened to walk by and participate on the spot. My favorite part was talking to the kids about common trash items they would likely find along the ocean and what happens to marine debris once they’ve entered the waters. Many participants were curious to learn about the significant adverse impacts of common single-use plastics on both humans and marine life.
By the end of the two-hour cleanup, our group had collected over 100 pounds of trash. It was pretty rewarding to see the impact. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Join An Upcoming Beach Cleanup
About Beach Cleanup Intern Anna Cilley
Hometown: Swampscott, Massachusetts
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
My favorite San Diego beer is: Modern Times Hazy IPA
My favorite way to enjoy the water: I like to enjoy the water in so many ways, whether surfing, swimming, or paddleboarding in the ocean and bay. I also love hikes where I can jump in the waterfalls at the end, like Three Sisters Falls
I want to see a world where we can all learn to understand the importance of living sustainable, compassionate lives that benefit both us humans and the rest of what Earth has to offer.
Anna Cilley is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying sustainability at San Diego State University. She hails from the North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts, where the ocean is constantly present in her life, and she appreciates its beauty and versatility. Since moving to San Diego in 2018, Anna has explored the world of sustainability and environmental awareness by joining local clubs, taking interesting classes, participating in internships, and personal exploration. Anna enjoys hiking, reading, practicing yoga, cooking healthy meals, and spending time with her friends (especially along the coast!) in her spare time.
