Earth Day Indian River Lagoon Cleanup Impact Report, 2026
Turkey Creek, Palm Bay, Florida, Image by George Campbell
GreenSpace Water Alliance is proud to share the results of our 2026 Earth Day Indian River Lagoon Cleanup, held on April 25, 2026. Together, 241 volunteers helped remove 3,429 pounds of litter and debris from 25 miles of shorelines.
Community Engagement
Thanks to the dedication of over 241 committed volunteers, students, sponsors, and community partners alike, this cleanup made a measurable difference in improving the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
Mobilizing in celebration of Earth Day fosters a sense of stewardship, educates the public, and builds momentum for continued environmental action.
This community awareness event demonstrates to local leaders and residents that the community values the Indian River Lagoon and is committed to protecting it.
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Data & Advocacy
This cleanup is unique because we tabulate and collect actionable data. The volume and type of trash collected can inform local policy and prevention efforts (e.g., banning balloon releases or improving stormwater management practices).
Cleanup Highlights
3,429 pounds of trash removed
15,736 total items removed
241 volunteers
25 miles of Lagoon shoreline cleaned
Top 10 Items Collected
Cigarette Butts — 2,954
Tiny Trash Plastic Pieces — 2,399
Food Wrappers — 1,451
Tiny Trash Foam Pieces — 981
Plastic Beverage Bottles — 932
Tiny Trash Glass Pieces — 791
Beverage Cans — 708
Plastic Bottle Caps — 543
Glass Beverage Bottles — 504
Fishing Line — 443’
Tipping the Scales for a Cleaner Lagoon
The data tells a powerful story. Small pieces of litter—cigarette butts, plastic fragments, foam, bottle caps, wrappers, and fishing line—add up quickly. These items can harm wildlife, pollute waterways, and degrade the beauty and health of the Lagoon.
Every item removed is one less threat to fish, birds, manatees, sea turtles, and the communities that depend on a clean, healthy Indian River Lagoon.
Keep the Momentum Going
Earth Day is every day. You can continue making a difference by reducing single-use plastics, properly disposing of cigarette butts and fishing line, recycling responsibly, and joining future GreenSpace Water Alliance cleanup and restoration events.
Success Starts With You
Thank you to all the sponsors, partners, and especially the volunteers who made this event a tremendous success!
Please support organizations that actively improve our planet.
Thank you to George Campbell and the many participants who helped share our impact with images from the Indian River Lagoon Earth Day Cleanup.
Save The Date!
We look forward to what we can accomplish with you at our next large-scale cleanup, Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Improving our planet is fun! Are you ready to engage? We empower you to become a contributor to the cause. With your help, we will enhance our natural water resources and green spaces through community engagement, education, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions.
Big Ideas,
Real Impact Video
Dive into this sustainability special Earth Day feature with Stephen Sharkey, GreenSpace Water Alliance Volunteer, and Darcy Mehta, Founder of Vivacity Productions, and Host of Freshly Squeezed: A Space Coast Morning Show.