Join Us in Keeping the Mississippi SOund Beautiful for Future Generations!
Volunteer today and make a difference. Come to the beach for our Coastal Cleanup Program, or join us at a local park with our Inland Cleanup Program.
Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program
The Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Program (MSCCP) mission is to prevent and remove litter from the coastal environment through education, outreach, research, and cleanup events. The MSCCP organizes monthly beach cleanups, provides in-class presentations, and hosts outreach booths at multiple public events throughout the year.
the Barrier Island Cleanup Initiative!
Funded in partnership with the U.S. National Park Service, MSCCP will host volunteer-based cleanups on the Gulf Islands National Seashore barrier islands. Volunteers will have opportunities to help us remove marine debris in the Mississippi Sound on Ship, Cat, Horn, and Petit Bois barrier islands.
Mississippi Inland Cleanup Program
The Mississippi Inland Cleanup Program (MSICP) is a litter education, awareness, & prevention initiative that aims to serve the community through cleanup events, outreach, and research. This new program will extend the efforts of the coastal program by removing debris from the community (both land and water-based) and help stop trash at its inland source.
Upcoming EVents
May 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Homeschool Learning Lab
Topic: Nature Journaling II
This course is meant as a more advanced look into nature journaling. Join us for a fun presentation and hands-on activities where you can press your own flowers to include in your journal! If you attended our first class, please bring your journal with you! We will have extras for those in need of one.
At the MSU Coastal Research & Extension Center | 1815 Popp’s Ferry Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532
May 30, 2026 | 8:00 AM- 9:30 AM
Sand Jam Beach cleanup
Join us for a beach cleanup at Pascagoula Beach Park before the Sand Jam celebration!
Sand Jam – Forces of Nature is a free annual summer event celebrating Mississippi’s native wildlife, environment, and heritage. Help us kick things off by removing litter from the beach and making a positive impact before the festivities begin.
This is a family-friendly event, and all ages are welcome. We hope to see you there on May 30 from 8:00 to 9:30!
At Pascagoula Beach Park
June 6, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 AM
Growing native wetland plants for coastal restoration workshop
A free event for anyone interested in growing native wetland plants!
Join the Native Plant Producer Network at the Weeks Bay Resource Center for a workshop on Growing Native Wetland Plants for Coastal Restoration!
Learn about the program, native plant species, opportunities to get involved, and key coastal ecology issues in the Gulf. This in-person workshop will offer valuable knowledge and hands-on insights for anyone interested in protecting and restoring our coastal environments through native plant production
*Refreshments provided
At the Weeks Bay Resource Center | 11525 US Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 36532
June 13, 2026 | 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Petit Bois Barrier Island Cleanup
Help us cleanup the barrier islands!
Volunteers will meet at the Pascagoula point boat launch – 645 Beach Blvd Pascagoula, MS 39567 at 8:30 a.m. and will return to boat launch by 1 p.m.
Transportation to the island will be provided by charter-for-hire boat captains. Boats WILL DEPART by 9 a.m. Volunteers must be on board at 9 a.m.
Volunteers are welcome to meet us at the cleanup site. Please let us know when prompted in the registration form so that we can provide the coordinates of our cleanup location.
June 8-12, 2026 | 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM
REGISTRATION CLOSED | Mississippi Student Naturalist camp
REGISTRATION CLOSED, ALL SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED
Calling all students ages 14–17! Join us for an exciting 5-day summer camp exploring the incredible ecosystems of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Campers will discover the animals and plants these habitats support, learn how these ecosystems are managed, and dive into hands-on activities that highlight real volunteer opportunities. Along the way, students will build a deeper connection to the coast and be inspired to become stewards who help preserve and protect these vital ecosystems for the future. Students will gain the certification of Student Naturalist upon completion of the camp.
At the MSU Coastal Research & Extension Center | 1815 Popp’s Ferry Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532
June 15-19, 2026 | 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM
Registration Closed | 2026 GRITS STEM summer Camp
Open to high school juniors and seniors!
FREE EVENT | During this hands on week, students will build real world skills used in coastal science and restoration projects, including living shoreline construction. Participants will gain experience in boat driving and trailering, drone operations, RTK GPS technology, plant identification, soldering, wave energy measurement, and more. Campers will also enjoy a boat trip to the Mississippi barrier islands and learn about exciting STEM career pathways from professionals in the field.
GRITS is an incredible opportunity for students to develop practical skills, explore STEM careers, and earn a certificate that will strengthen resume and college applications.
At the MSU Coastal Research & Extension Center | 1815 Popp’s Ferry Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532
June 22-25, 2026 | 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM
2026 Teacher Workshop
Join the Coastal and Marine Extension Program for their third annual collaborative teacher workshop. Our in-house organizations, the Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program, Program for Local Adaptation to Climate Effects (PLACE), and Mississippi Sound Estuary Program will be leading an engaging, hands-on workshop that highlights our education/ outreach programs focused on educating students about conservation, restoration, and environmental stewardship. Earn 2.6 CEUs for completing the workshop!
At the MSU Coastal Research & Extension Center | 1815 Popp’s Ferry Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532
July 5-11, 2026
REGISTRATION CLOSED | Investigating Coastal Biodiversity: A hybrid german-american field camp
All spots have been filled.
We’re thrilled to team up with POCACITO for the annual German-American Investigating Coastal Biodiversity Camp — a FREE, week-long adventure at Camp Wilkes in Biloxi!
This unique international camp brings together students from Mississippi and Germany to explore coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship — all in a vibrant, hands-on, and culturally diverse setting.
At the Camp Wilkes | 2109 Camp Wilkes Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532
July 11, 2026 | 8-10AM
2026 Star-spangled banner cleanup
Join us for our annual cleanup on the Saturday following 4th of July celebrations. This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity aimed at removing firework debris from our beaches before they end up in our waters.
Locations across the MS Gulf Coast
July 10, 2026 | 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Ship island Barrier Island Cleanup
Help us cleanup the barrier islands!
Volunteers will meet at the Point Cadet Marina in
Biloxi, MS at 8:30 a.m. and will return to boat launch by 1 p.m.
Transportation to the island will be provided by charter-for-hire boat captains. Boats WILL DEPART by 9 a.m. Volunteers must be on board at 9 a.m.
Volunteers are welcome to meet us at the cleanup site. Please let us know when prompted in the registration form so that we can provide the coordinates of our cleanup location.
August 8, 2026 | 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Ship island Barrier Island Cleanup
Help us cleanup the barrier islands!
Volunteers will meet at the Point Cadet Marina in
Biloxi, MS at 8:30 a.m. and will return to boat launch by 1 p.m.
Transportation to the island will be provided by charter-for-hire boat captains. Boats WILL DEPART by 9 a.m. Volunteers must be on board at 9 a.m.
Volunteers are welcome to meet us at the cleanup site. Please let us know when prompted in the registration form so that we can provide the coordinates of our cleanup location.
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