A Recap from the Wildlife Jewels’ Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Beach Cleanup in Corona del Mar!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar State Beach, April 27, 2025

Thank you for joining us at the Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Beach Cleanup Walk! Your dedication to cleaning the beach and protecting our precious wildlife is so much appreciated.

On Sunday April 27th, Wildlife Jewels organized and hosted a community beach clean-up in Corona Del Mar State Beach. This event was part of our Sweep for Wildlife program from our Ocean Conservation initiative aimed at cleaning the beach and educating the community about our native wildlife, the threats debris poses to their lives, and ways they can contribute to protecting them.

We would like to Thank everyone who joined us at this exciting event in Corona Del Mar!

Your participation has made a significant impact in protecting our invaluable wildlife.

Together, we removed over 50 pounds of harmful debris and discarded fishing gear from the beach—protecting sea life from ingesting or becoming entangled in deadly materials. Every piece of trash we removed helps prevent wildlife from suffering due to tiny plastic fragments, thin wraps, Styrofoam, chocolate, charcoal, bottle caps, chip and candy wrappers, plastic utensils, fishing lines, and plastic film. We also cleared sharp glass pieces hidden in the sand, which could cause injuries to both people and animals.

During our walk, we shared the major threats facing coastal wildlife along Corona del Mar State Beach and how each of us can help. We also talked about the devastating domoic acid crisis affecting sea life—and how we can support wildlife rescue efforts.

One story that touched all of us was that of a “Crystal the Gull”—a resilient gull who resides at Corona del Mar State Beach. She has only one foot which is entangled in a fishing line; the other was lost, likely due to entanglement. Volunteers first noticed her at our December King Tides Cleanup.

And over the past few months, our coastal monitoring has revealed more gulls with missing feet or entangled in fishing lines. These aren’t isolated incidents. Every wildlife matters. And their suffering is a call to action—a powerful reason for us to continue this vital work, together.

Help us save sea life: Explore Wildlife Jewels EYES

Wildlife Jewels® is seeking volunteers and community reporters to help monitor beaches and report distressed Pelicans. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective Program!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife at Corona del Mar State Beach, April 27, 2025

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife at Corona del Mar State Beach, April 27, 2025

Special Participation by the UCI Anteater Beach Club!

Meet Wildlife Jewels Selenite Crystal the Gull ✨

Selenite Crystal the Gull, April 2025 at CDM State Beach

We first spotted this resilient Gull during our December King Tides cleanup at Corona del Mar State Beach. Crystal is featured in our event flyer—and just last week, we saw her again.

Sadly she’s missing one foot and has the other entangled in a fishing line—a heartbreaking reminder of why our cleanups matter. 

Join us this Sunday for our 2nd Annual Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Walk to help protect Crystal and other precious wildlife from debris like plastic and discarded fishing gear.

Let’s come together to care for our coast and all who call it home. You might even get the chance to see Crystal in person!

Wildlife Jewels® King Tides Sweep & Learn: A Special Encounter with “Selenite Crystal the Gull” December 2024 at Corona del Mar State Beach

Sadly, we also encountered a beautiful Gull who was missing one foot, with the other tightly wrapped in a fishing line. Concerned volunteers observed her at the start of the event. To our surprise, as we wrapped up the cleanup, she flew towards our group, landed nearby, and watched us as if she was asking for help. Witnessing this was a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact marine debris has on our precious wildlife. Over the past few months, we've observed a significant increase in the number of gulls with missing feet and/or entangled in fishing line during our coastal wildlife monitoring efforts. Every animal matters, and it’s a call to action for all of us to help protect them.

One of our dedicated volunteers spotted a precious bird with one missing foot and the other entangled in fishing line.

December 15th 2024, Corona del Mar State Beach

Fishing Gear

Every day, countless seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals suffer injuries or lose their lives due to entanglement in fishing lines and hooks. This includes the tragic consequence of swallowing fishing hooks.

Hooks and lines caught in debris can lead to devastating entanglements for animals, causing injuries to legs, wings, and beaks of birds. A single hook caught in a beak or mouth can be devastating leading to starvation and death.

Thanks to the dedication of our participants, we were able to locate and remove fishing lines and at least one fishing hook during our clean-up in Corona Del Mar. This debris poses a significant threat to seabirds and shorebirds, especially as lines and hooks become ensnared in branches and seaweed along the shoreline— where these birds search for food.

By picking up debris, even just one fishing hook, you are making a difference saving wildlife!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Walk! Inspiring Day!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar State Beach, April 27, 2025

What an amazing and inspiring day!

Thank you to everyone who joined Wildlife Jewels® for our Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Walk Beach Cleanup at Corona del Mar State Beach!

Together, we helped protect our precious sea life by removing harmful debris and discarded fishing gear, preventing wildlife from ingesting or becoming entangled. We can’t wait to share photos and event highlights with you soon—stay tuned!

Meet Wildlife Jewels Selenite Crystal the Gull ✨

Selenite Crystal the Gull, April 2025 at CDM State Beach

We first spotted this resilient Gull during our December King Tides cleanup at Corona del Mar State Beach. Crystal is featured in our event flyer—and just last week, we saw her again.

Sadly she’s missing one foot and has the other entangled in a fishing line—a heartbreaking reminder of why our cleanups matter. 

Join us this Sunday for our 2nd Annual Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Walk to help protect Crystal and other precious wildlife from debris like plastic and discarded fishing gear.

Let’s come together to care for our coast and all who call it home. You might even get the chance to see Crystal in person!

Wildlife Jewels® King Tides Sweep & Learn: A Special Encounter with “Selenite Crystal the Gull”

During our King Tides Sweep and Learn walk in Corona Del Mar on December 15, 2024, we had a powerful moment—spotting “Selenite Crystal the Gull” for the first time. She was missing one foot, and the other was entangled in fishing line. That same day, our amazing volunteers removed discarded fishing gear from the beach, helping prevent future harm to wildlife like Crystal. We just spotted Selenite again last week after 4 months!

Sadly, we also encountered a beautiful Gull who was missing one foot, with the other tightly wrapped in a fishing line. Concerned volunteers observed her at the start of the event. To our surprise, as we wrapped up the cleanup, she flew towards our group, landed nearby, and watched us as if she was asking for help. Witnessing this was a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact marine debris has on our precious wildlife. Over the past few months, we've observed a significant increase in the number of gulls with missing feet and/or entangled in fishing line during our coastal wildlife monitoring efforts. Every animal matters, and it’s a call to action for all of us to help protect them.

One of our dedicated volunteers spotted a precious bird with one missing foot and the other entangled in fishing line.

December 15th 2024, Corona del Mar State Beach

Fishing Gear

Every day, countless seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals suffer injuries or lose their lives due to entanglement in fishing lines and hooks. This includes the tragic consequence of swallowing fishing hooks.

Hooks and lines caught in debris can lead to devastating entanglements for animals, causing injuries to legs, wings, and beaks of birds. A single hook caught in a beak or mouth can be devastating leading to starvation and death.

Thanks to the dedication of our participants, we were able to locate and remove fishing lines and at least one fishing hook during our clean-up in Corona Del Mar. This debris poses a significant threat to seabirds and shorebirds, especially as lines and hooks become ensnared in branches and seaweed along the shoreline— where these birds search for food.

By picking up debris, even just one fishing hook, you are making a difference saving wildlife!

2nd Annual Wildlife Jewels Corona del Mar Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Walk!

Wildlife Jewels Coastal Cleanup Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar

You’re invited to join Wildlife Jewels on Sunday, April 27th, from 4-6 PM for our 2nd Annual Earth Day “Sweep & Learn for Wildlife” Walk in the beautiful coastal town of Corona del Mar!

Discover stories of the unique coastal wildlife inhabitants we've had the privilege of observing and helping rescue at Corona del Mar State Beach, including a precious California Brown Pelican and a stunning California Gull. Join us to remove debris, learn about the beautiful wildlife you’re helping to protect, gain insight into the threats they face, and explore actionable steps you can take daily to protect our precious wildlife.

Photo contest: Enter your photo from our event to win an exclusive Wildlife Jewels Collections Pelican Inspired work of art!

Plus: Special Participation by the UCI Anteater Beach Club!

We encourage you to bring your own bucket or reusable bag, along with gloves.

Be sure to connect with us on social media, capturing plenty of photos of the wildlife you're helping to save and the debris you're removing. Don't forget to tag us in your stories and posts! If you'd rather share your experience with us via email, send us an email to sweepforwildlife@wildlifejewels.org

We look forward to seeing you at Corona del Mar State Beach!

Meet Wildlife Jewels Selenite Crystal the Gull ✨

Selenite Crystal the Gull, April 2025 at CDM State Beach

We first spotted this resilient Gull during our December King Tides cleanup at Corona del Mar State Beach. Crystal is featured in our event flyer—and just last week, we saw her again.

Sadly she’s missing one foot and has the other entangled in a fishing line—a heartbreaking reminder of why our cleanups matter. 

Join us this Sunday for our 2nd Annual Earth Day Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Walk to help protect Crystal and other precious wildlife from debris like plastic and discarded fishing gear.

Let’s come together to care for our coast and all who call it home. You might even get the chance to see Crystal in person!

Wildlife Jewels® King Tides Sweep & Learn: A Special Encounter with “Selenite Crystal the Gull”

During our King Tides Sweep and Learn walk in Corona Del Mar on December 15, 2024, we had a powerful moment—spotting “Selenite Crystal the Gull” for the first time. She was missing one foot, and the other was entangled in fishing line. That same day, our amazing volunteers removed discarded fishing gear from the beach, helping prevent future harm to wildlife like Crystal. We just spotted Selenite again last week after 4 months!

Sadly, we also encountered a beautiful Gull who was missing one foot, with the other tightly wrapped in a fishing line. Concerned volunteers observed her at the start of the event. To our surprise, as we wrapped up the cleanup, she flew towards our group, landed nearby, and watched us as if she was asking for help. Witnessing this was a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact marine debris has on our precious wildlife. Over the past few months, we've observed a significant increase in the number of gulls with missing feet and/or entangled in fishing line during our coastal wildlife monitoring efforts. Every animal matters, and it’s a call to action for all of us to help protect them.

One of our dedicated volunteers spotted a precious bird with one missing foot and the other entangled in fishing line.

December 15th 2024, Corona del Mar State Beach

Fishing Gear

Every day, countless seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals suffer injuries or lose their lives due to entanglement in fishing lines and hooks. This includes the tragic consequence of swallowing fishing hooks.

Hooks and lines caught in debris can lead to devastating entanglements for animals, causing injuries to legs, wings, and beaks of birds. A single hook caught in a beak or mouth can be devastating leading to starvation and death.

Thanks to the dedication of our participants, we were able to locate and remove fishing lines and at least one fishing hook during our clean-up in Corona Del Mar. This debris poses a significant threat to seabirds and shorebirds, especially as lines and hooks become ensnared in branches and seaweed along the shoreline— where these birds search for food.

By picking up debris, even just one fishing hook, you are making a difference saving wildlife!

Announcing the Winners of Our Earth Day Beach Cleanup Photo Contest!

Announcing the Winners of Our Earth Day Beach Cleanup Photo Contest!

A big thank you to everyone who participated in our Earth Day Corona del Mar Sweep for Wildlife beach cleanup photo contest! We were amazed by the stunning submissions that highlighted the beauty of our coastal wildlife.

We're thrilled to announce that the winner of the contest is Jaqueline, who captured this stunning photo of a precious Mallard Duck! 🦆 Her photo not only beautifully captures the essence of the Mallard Duck but also serves as an important reminder of the impact of feeding ducks on the beach.

As a prize, Jaqueline will receive a stunning Wildlife Jewels Conservation Collection ceramic coaster inspired by a precious Western Gull who was rescued from fishing line entanglement.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in our beach cleanup! Stay tuned for more exciting wildlife exploration events, beach cleanups and contests coming soon.

Learn more about our Sweep for Wildlife initiative and get involved! Help us protect wildlife!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar! April 21st, 2024

Fishing Gear

Every day, countless seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals suffer injuries or lose their lives due to entanglement in fishing lines and hooks. This includes the tragic consequence of swallowing fishing hooks.

Hooks and lines caught in debris can lead to devastating entanglements for animals, causing injuries to legs, wings, and beaks of birds. A single hook caught in a beak or mouth can be devastating leading to starvation and death.

Thanks to the dedication of our participants, we were able to locate and remove fishing lines and at least one fishing hook during our clean-up in Corona Del Mar. This debris poses a significant threat to seabirds and shorebirds, especially as lines and hooks become ensnared in branches and seaweed along the shoreline— where these birds search for food.

By picking up debris, even just one fishing hook, you are making a difference saving wildlife!

Sweep for Wildlife: A Recap from the Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Beach Cleanup & Wildlife Walk in Corona Del Mar!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar

Wildlife Jewels organized and hosted a community beach clean-up in celebration of Earth Day 2024 at the charming coastal town of Corona Del Mar on the 21st of April 2024. This event was part of our Sweep for Wildlife program from our Oceans Conservation initiative aimed at cleaning the beach and educating the community about our native wildlife, the threats debris poses to their lives, and ways they can contribute to protecting them.

We would like to Thank everyone who joined us at the Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar!

Your participation has made a substantial impact in protecting our invaluable wildlife. Together, we've prevented them from ingesting small plastic fragments, candy wrappers, plastic utensils, getting entangled in fishing hooks and lines, becoming ensnared in plastic wrap, and more.

During our walk, we had the pleasure of observing beautiful birds like the Western Gull, California Gull, Cormorant, and California Brown Pelicans. We also noticed potential hazards to seabirds, such as beach visitors feeding gulls bread and nuts.

Your contribution in removing these items from the beach is invaluable, as every piece of debris poses a threat to wildlife.

During our walk, we had the pleasure of observing beautiful birds like the Western Gull, California Gull, Cormorant, and California Brown Pelicans. We also noticed potential hazards to seabirds, such as beach visitors feeding gulls bread and nuts.

We're excited to share that we have several wildlife exploration walks and clean-ups planned in the upcoming months! If you're interested in learning more about and participating in our Sweep for Wildlife program activities, sign up through the link provided below!

Learn more about our Sweep for Wildlife initiative and get involved! Help us protect wildlife!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar! April 21st, 2024

Fishing Gear

Every day, countless seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals suffer injuries or lose their lives due to entanglement in fishing lines and hooks. This includes the tragic consequence of swallowing fishing hooks.

Hooks and lines caught in debris can lead to devastating entanglements for animals, causing injuries to legs, wings, and beaks of birds. A single hook caught in a beak or mouth can be devastating leading to starvation and death.

Thanks to the dedication of our participants, we were able to locate and remove fishing lines and at least one fishing hook during our clean-up in Corona Del Mar. This debris poses a significant threat to seabirds and shorebirds, especially as lines and hooks become ensnared in branches and seaweed along the shoreline— where these birds search for food.

By picking up debris, even just one fishing hook, you are making a difference saving wildlife!

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day 2024 Call for Volunteers

Wildlife Jewels Earth Day 2024 Sweep & Learn for Wildlife Walk Corona Del Mar Call for Volunteers

Wildlife Jewels® Earth Day 2024 Call for Volunteers

Wildlife Jewels is thrilled to be hosting an educational beach cleanup event in the charming coastal town of Corona del Mar in celebration of Earth Day 2024.

This event is part of our Sweep for Wildlife program from our Oceans Conservation initiative aimed at cleaning the beach and educating volunteers about our native wildlife, the threats debris poses to their lives, and ways they can contribute to protecting them.

We are seeking volunteers to help us with outreach and planning for this special occasion! Whether you prefer remote tasks or participating in onsite clean-up activities, there's a role for everyone to contribute.

We also have exciting opportunities to join us at our outreach table at Earth Day at the Bay and at Corona del Mar High School!

If you're interested in joining us, please fill out the Wildlife Jewels Earth Day volunteer interest form below, and we'll be in touch!

Wildlife Jewels® Earth Day

Volunteer Interest Form

Learn more about our Sweep for Wildlife initiative and get involved! Help us protect wildlife!

Wildlife Jewels World Wildlife Day Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar! March 3rd, 2024