Keep Walton County Beautiful has continued to grow its presence and impact across the community over the past year by connecting people with opportunities that highlight the natural beauty which defines Walton County. To wrap up the summer season, KWCB joined International Coastal Cleanup. This global effort aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire residents and visitors to protect our county’s unique ecosystem.
On Sept. 20, 2025, KWCB rallied volunteers for a day of cleanup across Walton County beaches. Every glove, bag and piece of litter collected told a story of community pride and served as a perfect reminder to be responsible and care for this fragile ecosystem.
Organized by Ocean Conservancy, ICC is a worldwide movement that unites millions of volunteers each year to remove litter from beaches, waterways and coastal areas. Over time, it has grown into one of the largest and most impactful volunteer efforts for ocean health.
The data collected by volunteers helps researchers and policymakers better understand the sources of marine debris and how to prevent it. By participating in ICC, communities take local action while contributing to a global movement that protects our oceans, wildlife and coastal environments. Here in Walton County, that same spirit of care inspires us to keep our home clean and beautiful year-round.
For 2025’s ICC, volunteers spread out across our three cleanup sites located at Inlet Beach, Dune Allen Beach and Miramar Beach, collecting everything from bottle caps and fishing line to old toys and even a pair of fake teeth.
By the end of the morning, more than 180 volunteers had filled 87 bags of litter, preventing debris from entering local waterways and harming wildlife. Teams logged their findings through a post-cleanup survey, which was submitted to Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell app, contributing to a global database that supports environmental research.
The cleanup drew incredible support from local schools, community groups and businesses. Families, students and county staff worked side by side, driven by one shared goal: protecting our natural spaces that make Walton County so special.
Beyond removing litter, volunteers of all ages gained a greater understanding of how small actions can lead to big change. Whether it’s spending one morning at a cleanup or making sustainable choices at home, every effort counts toward a cleaner, greener Walton County.
Building on this momentum, KWCB plans to take its outreach to new heights in the year ahead. Make sure to sign up for the KWCB newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events and sustainability or beautification initiatives. Partner with KWCB and learn more by visiting KeepWaltonCountyBeautiful.org.
Every small action adds up, and together we can continue to make a lasting difference in keeping Walton County Beautiful.
