Santa Barbara County – The grassroots beach‑cleanup group Tidy Seas has grown from occasional outings to a full‑time nonprofit that now operates year‑round along the Central Coast. Founded by local resident Ryan Wong, the organization reports that more than 80,000 pounds of trash have been removed from beaches, creeks, drains and riverbeds in just over two years.
Volunteer drive and upcoming fundraiser
To sustain its expanding operations, Tidy Seas is seeking additional volunteers and financial support. A fundraiser will be held Thursday at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, featuring a new short film about the group’s work, stories from volunteers on the front lines, and opportunities for donors to help fund future clean‑up locations.
Community partnerships and youth outreach
The effort extends beyond Santa Barbara’s shoreline. Volunteers have traveled to the Channel Islands, Ventura County, and inland riverbeds where homeless encampments and city streets contribute waste that can flow into the ocean. Tidy Seas also collaborates with local youth programs. The City of Carpinteria recently honored Wong for his leadership with the Junior Lifeguards, teaching young people how regular beach cleanups can become part of their daily routine.
Carpinteria City Councilmember Julia Mayer praised the “legacy of stewardship” the group is building, while Councilman Wade Nomura highlighted Wong’s dedication, saying he is “one of the few people in the world I know that has committed 100 percent to environmental causes.”
Funding sources and future plans
Wong’s fundraising has so far relied on personal connections, small grants and grant‑writing efforts he is learning to navigate. The upcoming museum event aims to attract larger donors and corporate sponsors to expand clean‑up crews, purchase additional equipment, and support outreach to more inland waterways.
In addition to regular beach sweeps, Tidy Seas partners with Girls Inc. and coordinates with the annual Coastal Cleanup Day, amplifying its impact through national volunteer networks.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in joining a cleanup can sign up through the Tidy Seas website or attend the fundraiser for more information. The organization welcomes individuals, families, businesses, and visitors who want to protect the Central Coast’s natural beauty and keep trash from entering the Pacific Ocean.
For further details, photos and video of past cleanups, visit the Tidy Seas website or contact the group directly.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
