I often take walks in the marsh, by the bay, or on the beach to clear my head and decompress. What comes with every trek is the disheartening and undeniable truth: We trash these places with no regard for the plants and animals that live there. Much of the littering I encounter is not accidental, specifically on a small section of beach in Ocean City, NJ commonly referred to as “the north end” or “the gardens.” I know that picking up garbage on this little beach might not have an immense impact in the grand scheme of things - but if it means a bird, fox, rabbit, or other wildlife won't have to encounter it in the immediate future, then that’s a small win. This is an ongoing endeavor; 2018-present.
