The annual North Fork Beach Clean Up is making a comeback for its fourth year, offering participants a chance to turn trash into treasure with prizes like Core-Line Bicycles for the whole team and an intimate Sunday night dinner experience at the Treatery After Dark.
Organized by local artist Estefany Molina of Fotográphico and sponsored by Surfrider Long Island, the friendly competition encourages teams to collect garbage along the shores of Shelter Island and across the North Fork, from Riverhead to Orient Point. The bar is set high this year with last year’s total collection weighing in at nearly 3,100 pounds.
The competition kicks off on Tuesday, August 29, and lasts until Tuesday, September 26. Participants can form teams consisting of three to six people and are reminded to only collect beach debris — personal garbage is not allowed. Starting in September, there’ll be weekly weigh-ins on Thursdays at the Lin Beach House in Greenport, where each team will have their beach collection of the week weighed and counted. Winners will be determined by the total weight of debris and plastic in their burlap bags by the end of the competition.
Participants are also responsible for sorting out their beach plastic, which will be given to UpSculpt, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring action against plastic pollution by engaging the public through art, science, and educational workshops.
The entry fee for a team is $85, which includes burlap bags for collection and a custom tote bag for each team participant, printed by Red Shed Print Shop in Mattituck. Additionally, teams will receive an exclusive invitation to the “Unceremonious Trash Party” on September 28 at the Lin Beach House. To sweeten the deal, participants who bring in at least 5 pounds of beach debris will be rewarded with a refreshing beer from Kidd Squidd Brewing Co.
Teams have until August 8 to secure their spot in the competition. Click here for more information.
