Now there's a way for school and community groups to earn money while helping to preserve our coastal resources. Local non-profit groups may volunteer to clean up a designated beach or creek area, and in return, the county will award the group $250 and a special certificate.

The group must provide a minimum 20 volunteers, and commit a minimum four hours per campaign day for litter pick-up and bagging. Volunteers must be at least 10 years of age. If the non-profit is a youth group, three adult leaders must supervise the work.

A volunteer group must submit a refundable $50 deposit to reserve a park and campaign date, provide proof of insurance, and complete a letter of understanding with the county. Santa Barbara County will provide a program orientation, and the necessary gloves and litter bags to haul trash from the site.

Santa Barbara County's Beach Clean-up program can be a very rewarding project for your group. Call Richard Lindley (805) 681-5653 today for more information about where and how you can make a difference!

This program is available March through November.