Stewardship at the Shore: National Park Trust College Ambassadors Clean Up Apollo Beach

As part of their commitment to protecting and preserving public lands, National Park Trust College Ambassadors Brennon Bates and Julia Maas led a group of 13 UCF students on a day of stewardship at Apollo Beach, in partnership with Canaveral National Seashore. The outing gave students a chance to connect with nature, contribute to meaningful conservation work, and experience the beauty and fragility of Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Early Start and Coastal Arrival
The day began at the UCF Outdoor Adventure Center, where students gathered before hitting the road for Apollo Beach. Upon arrival, the group was welcomed by a park ranger from the National Park Service and given a quick overview of their mission: to help clean up litter and debris along the shoreline and surrounding dune areas.

Digging In: Morning Cleanup and Surprising Finds
With gloves and trash bags in hand, students spread out across the beach, collecting everything from bottle caps and snack wrappers to larger debris. Among the more surprising finds were a discarded recycling bin and the remains of a sea turtle—an emotional discovery that underscored the importance of preserving these natural spaces for wildlife.

Lunch with a View and a Change in Weather
After a productive morning, the group gathered on the beach for lunch, enjoying the sound of the waves and the company of new friends. Not long after returning to work, the sky began to sprinkle, and radar showed more weather moving in. To prioritize safety, the trip leaders made the decision to end the beach cleanup early.

Tacos, Ice Cream, and Reflections
Before heading home, the group made a stop at Izzy Island for a well-earned reward: tacos and ice cream. The shared meal was a sweet end to the day and gave everyone a chance to unwind, reflect, and celebrate their impact.

A Short Day, A Lasting Impression
Though shortened by rain, the Apollo Beach Stewardship Trip left a meaningful mark, not just on the beach, but on everyone involved. Through teamwork, service, and shared purpose, the students helped restore a small stretch of coastline and deepened their connection to nature and public lands. As they returned home, they carried with them not just sandy shoes and full stomachs, but also a renewed appreciation for the value of stewardship and the power of collective action.