Being part of this movement means showing up — early mornings, long days, and hours spent caring for something bigger than ourselves. Picking up trash, organizing, educating, advocating… it’s not always easy, but it always matters 🌊
On Earth Day, we take a moment to recognize that every action counts. And more importantly, every person behind those actions counts.
The ocean needs more friends; and we truly couldn’t ask for better ones than this community. You show up with heart, commitment, and care, again and again. Not everyone gets this far, and that’s what makes what we have so special.
We’re so grateful to walk this path with you: our most dedicated, inspiring, and ocean-loving friends 💙
Because we know how much the ocean needs more friends.
Thank you!
Thank you to all the volunteers who participated in our Earth Month Cleanup! 🌎
🗑️ Trash: 146lbs
♻️ Recycling; 15.5lbs
🚬 Cigarette Butts: .5lbs
🟰 TOTAL: 162LBS
🙋🏻♂️ Human Butts: 94 volunteers
🗓️ Date: April 25, 2026
📍 Location: Del Monte Beach off Casa Verde (Tide Ave & Beach Way)
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support the ocean and to everyone who partnered with us for this cleanup including:
🧘♀️Yoga: @pacificflowyoga’s @steph.eujenin
🤝 Partners: @surfrider_csumb & @miis_sustainability
🌊 Volunteer Groups: Individuals from @csumbthetas @csumb, The Good Shepherd Childcare, Defense Language Institute, @middleburyinstitute, @sanbenanciomiddle
MORE PICTURES ON INSTAGRAM
Four local artists are highlighting the beauty of our area and the interconnectedness of humans to our natural world.
Thank you to artist Joy Colangelo for doing a beautiful piece depicting Carmel River Mouth and for featuring the Surfrider Foundation as one of the six non-profits featured alongside the artwork.
Checkout her piece and the rest of the collection within the Dyke Gallery of the Pacific Grove Arts Center now through June 25th. The artwork also includes some very cool augmentation that interacts with the art.
The PG Art Center is open Wednesday - Saturday from 12-5PM and Sundays from 1-4PM.
MORE ON THE GALLERY
Surfrider Monterey’s Climate Action Lead Marjorie Rodriguez Bacarreza represented our chapter at two major advocacy events this past month: California Ocean Day in Sacramento and Coastal Recreational Hill Day in Washington, D.C (virtual participation).
During meetings with elected officials and policymakers, Marjorie and other Surfrider volunteers advocated for stronger coastal protections, including opposition to new offshore oil drilling, the protection of NOAA coastal resilience programs, and increased funding and modernization of the BEACH Act.
We appreciated the opportunity to meet with Congresswoman, Zoe Lofgren, and Assembly member, Diane Dixon, to discuss what these protections mean for coastal communities like ours: public health, environmental resilience, safe beach access, and the long-term sustainability of the places where we live, work, and recreate.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2026 FEDERAL PRIORITIES
Surfrider Monterey is proud to announce an official partnership with the META Lab at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies to support and sustain our Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) program until June 2027.
META Lab is a student‑driven, faculty‑supported data research hub focused on applied research, analysis, and community partnerships. Through this collaboration, BWTF volunteers and Middlebury students gain hands-on experience in environmental sampling, lab analysis, and science communication all while contributing data that helps keep Monterey Bay safe for swimming, surfing, and recreation.
This month's Ocean Friendly Restaurant spotlight is Tarpy's Roadhouse Monterey. They're an iconic Monterey steakhouse offering hearty portions of gourmet fare, served on rustic stone patios surrounded by lush gardens. From tender ribs and fresh seafood to wild game and their famous meatloaf, every dish is a handcrafted classic. All while supporting our ocean. Discover why Tarpy's is the go-to spot for an unforgettable lunch or dinner in Monterey.
EXPLORE TARPY'S ROADHOUSE MENU
Today we want to celebrate and thank one of our incredible board members, McKenzie Ploen, for all the dedication, passion, and expertise she has brought to the Monterey chapter of Surfrider Foundation 🌊
As our Grants & Fundraising Coordinator, McKenzie has played an important role in helping strengthen our chapter through strategic fundraising, grant writing, and thoughtful leadership. Her background in supply chain management, sustainability, and ocean policy brought invaluable knowledge and vision to our team, helping us continue expanding our impact across Monterey County.
Beyond her professional experience, McKenzie’s love for the ocean and commitment to coastal protection have been deeply felt throughout our community. From supporting conservation initiatives to helping build the future of our chapter, we are so grateful for everything she has contributed during her time with us.
While we will miss her here in Monterey, we are so excited for this next chapter as she moves to San Francisco. We know she will continue doing amazing things for our ocean and coastal communities wherever she goes.
Thank you, McKenzie, for being such an important part of our Surfrider family. Wishing you nothing but success, joy, and new adventures ahead 💙
We'll be at California Roots Music & Arts Festival this weekend supporting the ocean and supporting the festival. Come find our booth, chat with us, and check out our latest merch.
Artists this year include Ice Cube, Pepper, Rebelution, Common Kings, Soja, The Green, and more.
Join us for our May 2026 beach cleanup at Del Monte Beach near the Municipal Wharf. There will also be underwater cleanup for divers in partnership with Monterey Expeditions.
9AM | Free Beach Yoga
9:30AM | Briefing for Dive Participants
10AM | Beach Cleanup
Underwater Divers Should Bring:
- cutting device
- mesh bag for debris
- dive certification card (a photo is fine!)
- a buddy (if you’re freediving)
Beach Yoga Participants Should Bring:
-🧘♀️🧘♂️ a towel or mat
Beach Cleanup Participants Should Bring:
- Gloves, bucket, or reusable bag that you don't mind getting dirty. Otherwise, we're more than happy to lend you ours!
REGISTER FOR OUR CLEANUP
Join us on Wednesday, May 27 at Sovino Wine bar in downtown Monterey from 7-9pm for our upcoming Blue Beers mixer and trivia night. Sovino is one of our Ocean Friendly Restaurant partners and we're excited to be testing out ocean trivia questions courtesy of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB).
$1 from each glass/pint will also be donated to our chapter.
Bring your friends, family, trivia skills and love for the ocean!
See you there!
ABOUT THE NATIONAL OCEAN SCIENCES BOWL
Since 1980, once a year, local monterey county surfers and their families have gathered on the squeaky white sands of Carmel beach for a weekend of friendly surf competition.
Swing by our Surfrider booth for beach trash bingo.
CARMEL SURFABOUT