Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
This year, Keep Liberty Beautiful is holding its Annual Beach Sweep earlier, in the hopes of better weather. For the past few years, we have had to reschedule the beach sweep or clean up around the marina due to the weather. So, join us for this excellent way to enjoy the water and make a difference.
We need boat captains to volunteer their time and boats to transport volunteers to St. Catherine’s Island for our Annual Beach Sweep 2025. This year’s Beach Sweep is on Saturday, August 16. The boat captains can leave and return to Halfmoon Marina or Sunbury Boat Ramp. We check in at 7 a.m. and usually return by 1 p.m.
We typically require around 10 boats to provide adequate seating for our volunteers. KLB will pay the launch fees for your boat at Halfmoon Marina. We also offer all the cleanup supplies, food, drinks, and T-shirts. We value your contribution and want to make your volunteering experience as smooth as possible.
If you are a boat captain with a boat and would like to participate or learn more, please get in touch with KLB at (912) 880-4888. You can also sign up on the KLB website www.keeplibertybeautiful. org. Keep Liberty Beautiful is also now accepting applications from youth interested in a leadership role in environmental education. KLB’s Youth Leadership Program, called Green Leaders, will accept up to four applicants this year. Applicants must be entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades and in good academic standing at their school.
Green Leaders is an opportunity for youth to serve in leadership roles at environmental events during the 202526 academic year. This program not only allows them to earn community service hours but also to build and enhance their leadership skills. Green Leaders will assist in implementing community activities that foster a sense of responsibility and leadership.
A maximum of 100 volunteer hours can be earned during the year by participating in a variety of environmental activities, including:
• Environmental education displays at community events
• Community litter cleanup events
• Earth Day
• America Recycles Day
• Recycling events and collections
• Community awareness activities at parades and other community events
• Community improvement/ beautification projects
• Feedback on youth involvement for the oganization advisory board Many KLB programs, including the Beach Sweep and Green Leaders, are held on Saturday Mornings. These programs typically run for a maximum of eight to 10 Saturday mornings per year, with each session lasting approximately four to five hours.
A minimum of 70 hours must be completed to be eligible for a $500 award stipend in May 2026 and for possible nominations to local and state award recognition programs.
To apply for the Green Leaders program, visit the KLB website www. keeplibertybeautiful.org for the application. We are currently reviewing applications and will be in touch with successful candidates.
For more information on these two KLB needs or other programs, visit the Keep Liberty Beautiful Facebook page or contact us at (912) 880-4888 or email us at klcb@libertycountyga. gov.