Dr. Karen Bell

Keep Liberty Beautiful

The ocean connects us all, whether we live on the coast or miles inland. It provides oxygen, regulates our climate, supports wildlife, and creates places where families gather, fish, boat, and make lifelong memories. This June, Keep Liberty Beautiful invites Liberty County residents to celebrate and protect one of our planet’s most important natural resources during World Ocean Day 2026.

Join Keep Liberty Beautiful on Monday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the KLB Office located at the Liberty County Community Complex, 9397 East Oglethorpe Highway in Midway, for a morning dedicated to learning, exploring, and taking action for our waterways.

This year’s World Ocean Day Action Theme, “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet,” encourages communities around the world to support healthier oceans and stronger protections for marine ecosystems. The theme builds on global efforts to protect at least 30% of lands, waters, and oceans by 2030, often referred to as the 30×30 initiative.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play an important role in conserving biodiversity, protecting wildlife habitats, strengthening climate resilience, and preserving ocean resources for future generations. While large-scale conservation efforts happen around the world, local actions continue to make a meaningful difference. World Ocean Day is a reminder that every person can contribute to cleaner waterways and healthier oceans through everyday choices and community involvement.

To celebrate locally, Keep Liberty Beautiful will host an interactive round-robin educational experience featuring 10 hands-on stations focused on water conservation, local waterways, marine ecosystems, environmental crafts, and activities designed for all ages. Participants will have opportunities to explore how litter affects waterways, discover simple ways to reduce pollution, and learn practical habits that help protect local streams, rivers, and coastal environments.

Throughout the week, KLB staff and summer interns will travel across Liberty County, visiting public waterways and recreation areas, including Susie King Taylor Freedom Park, Riceboro Boat Ramp, Riceboro Pavilion, Half Moon Marina area, Bryant Commons, and Sunbury Boat Ramp. During these outreach visits, KLB will distribute:

• Litter prevention information
• Storm debris and after- the-storm educational materials
• “How to Be a Good Mate” boating and waterway stewardship guides
• Volunteer information and community resources Volunteers and staff will also be equipped with gloves, litter reachers, and Keep Liberty Beautiful volunteer shirts while encouraging residents and visitors to help keep local waterways clean.

World Ocean Day traces its origins back to 1992, when it was first proposed at the Earth Summit to increase awareness of the importance of ocean conservation and the growing impacts of pollution. Today, communities across the globe recognize the day as an opportunity to inspire environmental action and celebrate our connection to the water. If you’re wondering how to participate beyond attending the event, conservation experts recommend a few simple ways to honor World Ocean Day: Clean up a shoreline or waterway. Whether it is a beach, a fishing dock, a creek, or a neighborhood stream, removing litter helps prevent trash from reaching larger waterways.

Reduce single-use plastics. Small changes in daily habits can reduce the amount of plastic entering our environment.

Choose sustainable meals. Consider taking a break from seafood or reducing consumption for the day.

Learn and share. Watch an ocean documentary or talk with friends and family about protecting water resources.

Take time to appreciate the water around you. Whether boating, fishing, walking, or simply enjoying the outdoors, building a connection to nature often inspires action.

Keep Liberty Beautiful also reminds residents to mark their calendars for the Annual St. Catherine’s Island Cleanup on August 15, 2026, another opportunity to help protect Georgia’s coast.

The ocean may seem far away at times, but every piece of litter prevented, every waterway protected, and every community member engaged contributes to healthier waters for all.

For more information about World Ocean Day activities or ways to volunteer, contact Keep Liberty Beautiful at (912) 880-4888, email klcb@libertycountyga. gov, or visit Keep Liberty Beautiful.