AUSTIN — Volunteers are signing up now for the nation's biggest coastal cleanup on Saturday, September 15th. The 2018 Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup takes place at 30 sites coast-wide. Volunteers can sign up online at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org or show up on-site Saturday morning to take part in a fun-filled day at the beach that makes a difference.

"Each year, Texans from across the state join together to ensure our beaches are kept safe and clean," said Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush. "As summer comes to a close, keeping Texas beaches clean is more important than ever, helping to restore our coastal communities and keeping our beaches accessible and clear of marine debris year-round.  Join forces with thousands of other Texans and be part of the solution on Saturday, September 15th."

The Texas Adopt-A-Beach program began in the fall of 1986, when 2,800 volunteers picked up 124 tons of trash.  Since then, more than half a million volunteers have removed nearly 10,000 tons of trash from Texas beaches. Each volunteer will be given data cards, gloves, pencils and trash bags. All volunteers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. The Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach cleanups are held rain or shine!

Texans who are not able to attend the cleanup can help keep their beaches clean by making a tax-deductible donation online at www.TexasAdoptABeach.org. There are several different Adopt-A-Beach sponsorship levels ranging from $25 to $25,000, allowing both individuals and corporations to contribute to this major cleanup effort.

The 2018 Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup is sponsored by Apache Corporation, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Texas Coastal Management Program, Energy XXI - Gulf Coast, Flint Hills Resources, Murphy Oil & Exploration Company, Trusted Senior Specialists, Corona Del Mar Beach Properties, Dumpsters.com and the Ocean Conservancy (in-kind sponsor).

Everyone who signs up online and checks in at their cleanup location will be entered to win a RTIC soft pack 20 can cooler or one of five 20-ounce stainless steel water bottles. The random drawing will take place after the cleanup. Winners will be contacted directly.

And don't forget, now you can support the Texas coast all year by purchasing the official Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach specialty license plate. For every plate sale, the Adopt-A-Beach program receives a direct benefit that will help the program continue to grow, reduce litter on Texas beaches, and provide coastal environmental education to our youth. The plate costs just $30 in addition to regular vehicle fees, with $22 used to support the Texas coastline.  Personalized plates are also available for an extra $40. In addition, the cost of purchasing the plate is considered a tax-deductible donation from you.

To learn more about the Adopt-A-Beach program, visit TexasAdoptABeach.org or contact the GLO at 1-877-TXCOAST. Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TexasAdoptABeach or follow us on Twitter @TXAdoptABeach.

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