What can a community accomplish in a single day? More than a ton of marine debris removed from around Quahog Bay. Read about this year’s Earth Day cleanup and the volunteers who made it happen.

Earth Day Cleanup Removes More Than a Ton of Marine Debris

This Earth Day, Quahog Bay Conservancy joined forces with Harpswell Heritage Land Trust and the University of Maine Pelagic Fisheries Lab for a community-wide cleanup effort focused on keeping Quahog Bay healthy and beautiful.

Together, volunteers tackled shorelines, roadsides, and waterfront areas around the bay, collecting an astonishing amount of marine debris – more than A TON of trash in a single day! From discarded fishing gear and plastics to household waste carried by wind and tide, the cleanup highlighted both the challenges facing our coastal environment and the power of community action.

The work was not easy. Volunteers spent hours hauling heavy bags, sorting debris, and reaching difficult shoreline locations. Their dedication reflects a shared commitment to protecting the waters, wildlife, and working waterfront that make Quahog Bay such a special place.

We are grateful to our partners at Harpswell Heritage Land Trust and the University of Maine Pelagic Fisheries Lab who rolled up their sleeves and made a tangible difference. Every piece of debris removed is one less threat to marine life and one more step toward a healthier bay.