NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Hosts Annual Back-to-School Beach Cleanup

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) invites the community to add a really cool item to their 2026 school list-a Back-to-School Beach Cleanup on Saturday, Aug. 22, 8-10 a.m. at Ocean Front Park in Kure Beach. The town offers free parking for the cleanup volunteers and the Aquarium provides reusable gloves, pickers and bags. The NC Aquariums are a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

This Aquarium tradition brings together all sorts of back-to-schoolers from toddlers to college kids and beyond. The town and the Aquarium invite all volunteers to wear their favorite school gear, with the most spirited taking home a green prize.

"These beach cleanups are a great way to begin the school year by keeping the health of our ocean top of mind," said Laine Cafferty, NCAFF assistant events coordinator. "We hope that by starting the school year with a green mindset, all of us working together can make a difference in protecting species and ecosystems."

Volunteers can register and take the green pledge at NCAFF Back-to-School Beach Cleanup.

"We provide the reusable cleanup items to make it even easier for volunteers to be green," said Cafferty.

In addition to their school spirit, volunteers should bring their reusable water bottles. The Aquarium and town kindly ask that volunteers not bring any single-use plastic bags, gloves, water bottles or coffee cups to the cleanup.

NCAFF focuses on saving species through creating one-of-a-kind experiences that connect the community with animals and ecosystems. The Aquarium also leads through example, fostering a green work environment, eliminating single-use plastic and serving as a resource for the community in protecting the planet. For more ideas on starting the school year off green, visit Your Green Back-to-School List.

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. While NCAFF is closed for a transformative renovation and expansion, visitors are encouraged to stroll into Discovery Bay at Independence mall, a complimentary experience or reserve their tickets at NCA Pine Knoll Shores and NCA Roanoke Island or to visit Jennette's Pier for some great fishing. The mission of the North Carolina Aquariums is to inspire care and conservation of nature by connecting people with the aquatic world.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.