As the new year dawns, there’s an easy in for people who want to lend a helping hand to their local environment, get their feet wet and learn about volunteering.
Save Our Shores (SOS), a marine conservation nonprofit, is hosting a sanctuary steward training on the night of Thursday, Jan. 12, for people interested in joining the ocean advocacy community that makes up the backbone of many marine conservation programs.
The nonprofit’s Sanctuary Steward volunteer program, developed in 1995, has three initiatives: pollution prevention, clean boating initiatives, and ocean health awareness.
Offered every other month, the training offers a crash course on the history of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, preventing coastal pollution and how to lead ocean advocacy events. Communications manager Ryan Kallabis urges community members to bring their own cup and plate for complimentary snacks and beverages.
Meanwhile, SOS is also asking donors to help bring more kids to the beach and let them get their hands dirty in an expansive outdoor classroom experience. The nonprofit offers field trips, and $50 can fund one child while $700 can pay for an entire classroom experience to teach kids about marine debris and ecosystems.
For more information, visit saveourshores.org. The Sanctuary Steward training is 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the SOS offices at 345 Lake Ave., Suite A, Santa Cruz. To RSVP, email program manager Matt Miller at
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