Here is a recent photo of trash from West Haven. Apart from illegal littering, these piles are often left after illegal activities such as drinking, starting a fire, pets on the beach, or fireworks. One of the easiest and most helpful actions you can take to protect our habitats and wildlife is to always carry in, carry out while obeying local laws. Taking an active role in ensuring you remove all waste that you bring to a park, beach or any natural area is tremendously beneficial to staff and property owners as well. Any non-profit, municipal, state, or federal employee time can be spent in far better ways than cleaning up garbage. You will also help maintain a better natural appearance and encourage others who may not be as environmentally-minded to clean up after themselves so as to not detract from the aesthetic appeal. It will decidedly reduce dangerous human and wildlife interactions.
When it comes to AAfCW, removal of all trash greatly reduces the presence and threat of predators on our beaches and islands. Gulls, crows, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, bears, and more all congregate near trash, checking these food sources frequently, then venturing into bird nesting areas. They become a distraction and a direct threat to endangered species, forcing our birds into constant energy-expending vigilance at best and losing young, eggs and adults at worst. Many towns, counties, and even states do not provide waste receptacles because they become filled rapidly, with people contributing outside trash and creating a mess, attracting the aforementioned predators, and requiring cleaning by staff. I hope it is not too much to expect folks to clean up after themselves, leave waste at home, or carry out what you carry in when visiting a natural area.
Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator
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