Friends of A1A launch campaign to fight litter: 'Pack It In, Pack It Out'

Palm Coast Observer
Your Town

by: Danielle Anderson

Friends of AIA Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway

The Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway announced the program “Be a Byway Sea Star – Pack It In, Pack It Out” launching on June 1.

The first pilot program location will be at the River to Sea Preserve along SR A1A, where trash receptacles will be removed from public spaces and visitors will be encouraged to leave no trace by taking their trash with them.

Based on the seven principles of the “Leave No Trace” program used by agencies such as the U.S. National Park Service and municipalities across the nation, the Friends of A1A are aiming to reduce litter along the A1A Scenic Byway coastal corridor’s beaches and waterways.

Capt. Adam Morley, who serves as the organization’s vice president, has spearheaded efforts to clean-up the area’s waterways via the Matanzas Riverkeeper’s Litter Gitter II boat and by also serving as co-captain of the Friends of A1A’s International Coastal Cleanup efforts each September.

“The great thing about this program is that it’s nothing new,” said Morley. “It’s been successfully implemented elsewhere in local, state and federal parks. We just need the public to know and understand what’s happening, so they can plan and prepare.”

Notice signage is provided to create awareness of the trash receptacle removal a month in advance and a permanent sign will replace the temporary sign with the campaign information and a QR code link with additional details and ways to prepare for visits to the participating locations.

The program is funded by the Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway and in part through a competitive grant provided by the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida.

The Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is a non-profit organization that protects, preserves, promotes and enhances resources along the A1A All-American Road. This citizen's advocacy group partners with municipalities, governmental agencies and other civic groups to maintain and improve resources along the corridor.

Designated in 2002, the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, Florida’s second All-American Road (2021), is rich in history, nature, archaeology, culture, scenery and recreation. The Friends of A1A's efforts benefit residents and travelers alike maintaining identified intrinsic resources while supporting economic development.

Visit https://scenica1a.org/pack-it-in/ for more details.