Alex Ottenstein, who formed an organization to clean up the beaches of Assateague Island National Seashore, tosses some of the junk he's found into the back of his pickup truck/Mark Hendricks

More than two million people visit Assateague Island National Seashore along the coasts of Virginia and Maryland annually to experience its many miles of pristine beach, watercolor sunsets, and the chance to view wild horses galloping along the sand dunes. Unfortunately, the barrier island is also the last stop for copious amounts of trash that is washed ashore or, worse, left behind due by visitors.

“I was a beachcomber when I was younger, and have slowly noticed that the mesmerizing sea-glass that used to catch my eye has mostly turned into mind-boggling sea trash,” says Alex Ottenstein. “A few years ago I incorporated taking at least as much trash as I take treasure. It slowly evolved into a focus just on the trash.”

Alex Ottenstein is the founder of an appropriately titled new citizen conservation project, Get Trash(ed) on Assateague Island. And much like the concerned citizens of years past inspired to take action against threats to our national parks, his personal impetuous has evolved into a movement consisting of similarly inspired beach goers.

“The volume (of trash) can be so overwhelming that it made sense to try and recruit more people,” he says. Thus, in October of 2015, after years of trash collecting on his own, Get Trash(ed) on Assateague Island was conceived.

Tires, wire, and other trash collected from the beaches of Assateague Island National Seashore/Mark Hendricks

Those with SUVs and pickup trucks permitted to drive in the park’s over-sand vehicle (OSV) zone come together to drive the length of the beach and collect every piece of trash they can locate and carry. Loose trash like Mylar balloons and plastic bottle caps are the most common collected items, but the group also hauls larger, and much heavier, pieces, such as tires, nets, and wood.

If the wood is suitable for burning the group will reuse it in a “conservation” campfire. If it has nails or screws protruding from it, it will be hauled off so that it no longer causes a potential hazard to the park's wildlife and visitors.

“In an effort to bring some fun, after a few hours of work we’ll make a campfire, cook some food, listen to a little music or play games, as the social aspect helps (with involvement),” says Mr. Ottenstein.

Each day ends with ensuring all trash that can be recycled is appropriately placed, as opposed to being indiscriminately added to a landfill. Thus far, over 25 members have volunteered to help clean Assateague’s beaches with Get Trash(ed), and many others have commented on the group's Facebook page that they have begun picking up trash on their own as they were inspired by the group’s efforts.

Mr. Ottenstein stresses that we all can make a difference in cleaning our favorite parks. If everyone who visited Assateague’s beaches for relaxation and shell collecting removed one piece of waste, the results would be significant and, much like those who commented on social media, could inspire others to protect our parks.

“It’s not often in life that you can make something more beautiful by taking something away,” says Mr. Ottenstein, “but gathering trash is a great – and fairly easy – example that is accessible by people of all ages.”

Like the famously inscribed words on Yellowstone National Park’s Roosevelt Arch, “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People,” it is all of our responsibility, as park enthusiasts, to ensure that these places may continue to be enjoyed. One piece of trash collected at a time.

For more information, or to get in contact with Get Trash(ed) on Assateague Island please visit the group’s Facebook page.

Some of the tires collected by volunteers at Assateague Island National Seashore/Mark Hendricks