Adopt-A-Shore Guidelines
Logo for Keep Charlotte Beautiful-Sunset on a Beach with Palm Tree includes a Litter Can and a Recycle Bin
GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION

           VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

        Adopting groups are responsible for signing the official
Keep Charlotte Beautiful, Inc. Adopt-A-Shore Litter and Marine
Debris Removal Agreement.  By signing this Agreement, adopting
groups agree to clean their adopted shoreline a minimum of three
times a year for two years.

        Adopting groups are responsible for planning a minimum of
three cleanups per year. Groups are encouraged to participate in
the annual Great American Cleanup of Florida in March or April
and the Florida Coastal Cleanup in September.

        Adopting groups are responsible for reporting each cleanup
on the official Litter &  Marine Debris Removal Data Card.  
Completed cards should be sent to Keep Charlotte Beautiful.

        Adopting groups are responsible for their personal safety.  
Following the safety guidelines provided by Keep Charlotte
Beautiful, Inc. may assist groups in making safe decisions during
cleanups.

        Adopting groups are responsible for arranging for the
removal of collected litter and marine debris after a cleanup.

        Adopting groups are responsible for notifying the property
owner(s) and KCB coordinator 14 days prior to each cleanup.  
This courtesy will avoid scheduling conflicts.

        Adopting groups are responsible for avoiding shorebird,
sea turtle nesting areas, and other environmentally sensitive areas
during pre-nesting, nesting seasons, and planting.


               Questions and Answers

Q.        Do Adopt-A-Shore groups select the location to be adopted?
A.        A group may select the location or be assigned one,
depending on the amount of shoreline available for adoption in
your area.  Your local coordinator can verify a specific location’s
availability.  

Q.        What is the cost for joining the Adopt-a-Shore Program?
A.        Nothing.

Q.        How many people are needed for a cleanup team?
A.        There is no set number of volunteers for cleanup groups.  
However, working with at least five other volunteers will reduce
the time needed for each cleanup and make your cleanup more
fun.

Q.        Can children participate in the Adopt-A-Shore program?
A.        Yes.  However, participants under the age of 18 must have
parents sign a release form for them and be supervised by an
adult.

Q.        What is the time commitment for joining the Adopt-A-Shore
program?
A.        Adopting groups commit to cleaning their adopted areas at
least three times a year for a two year time period (more cleanups
are encouraged, but only 3 are required).  When those two years
are up, the adopting group may choose to renew their agreement.

Q.        Do Adopt-A-Shore groups decide their own clean up
schedule?
A.        Yes.  However, KCB encourages each adopting group to
participate in the annual Great American Cleanup of Florida
(coordinated by KCB during the months of March and April) and
the Florida Coastal Cleanup (coordinated by the Ocean
Conservancy in the month of September.)

Q.        How do Adopt-A-Shore groups report cleanup findings?
A.        All individuals of an adopting group are asked to complete a
data card during each cleanup.

Q.        Do Adopt-A-Shore groups receive recognition?
A.        Yes.  Adopt-A-Shore groups receive:

•Local Media coverage
•Signage in some locations
•A “Certificate of Adoption” bearing the group’s name