Manhattan Beach Volunteers to Restore Coastal Dunes Saturday

A Saturday morning at the beach just got a whole lot more purposeful for Manhattan Beach residents willing to trade sunbathing for conservation.

The Manhattan Beach Dune Restoration Project is calling for volunteers to help remove invasive iceplant and restore native coastal vegetation on Saturday, March 21 from 9 to 11 am. The event takes place at Bruce's Beach, with volunteers meeting in the parking lot at 26th and Ocean.

This isn't just about making the dunes look prettier. Native coastal plants create stronger, more resilient shorelines that can better withstand storms and erosion, protecting the community for years to come.

The Santa Monica Bay Foundation is organizing the effort and making it easy for anyone to participate. Tools and gloves will be provided, so volunteers just need to show up in closed-toe shoes with water, snacks, and sun protection.

No special skills or experience are required. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, the project welcomes anyone who wants to spend two hours making a tangible difference in their coastal ecosystem.

The Ripple Effect

Small restoration efforts like this create waves of positive change far beyond a single morning of work. When communities remove invasive species and replant native vegetation, they're rebuilding entire ecosystems that support local birds, insects, and marine life.

These native plants have deep root systems that hold sand in place during winter storms, reducing beach erosion that threatens homes and infrastructure. They also require less water and maintenance than non-native species, making the coastline more sustainable long term.

Plus, community restoration events like this one build connections between neighbors who share a love for their local environment. Volunteers often return for future events, creating a dedicated core of environmental stewards who keep showing up season after season.

Registration is open now on the Santa Monica Bay Foundation website at santamonicabay.org. Anyone can sign up and join their neighbors in protecting the beach that makes Manhattan Beach special.

Two hours of pulling weeds might not sound glamorous, but it's exactly how communities build coastlines that last.