Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Information may not be reliable

Fall Program Registration is OPEN!

Start your year out with a memorable hands-on educational experience!

Take a two hour Field Trip to the Wynn Nature Center
Sign your class up for a CoastWalk!
All programs run through the month of September

Check out our fall program menu of activities!

Kachemak Bay CoastWalk Celebrates 26th Year
In 1984, Center for Alaska Coastal Studies (then the China Poot Bay Society) volunteers began to monitor the Kachemak Bay shoreline. Every year since, volunteers have gathered to participate in Kachemak Bay CoastWalk, a community science and stewardship program.
September 2010 marked the 26th year that CACS has coordinated the annual effort. Volunteers choose a predetermined section of beach, and collect data on biodiversity and human impacts in their stretch of beach. Over 800 volunteers participated in the 26th anniversary CoastWalk, including participants in the very first CoastWalk, Toby Tyler and Mike McBride.
During the 26 years of CoastWalk, volunteers have logged in 9100 volunteer hours monitoring the beach and have picked up over 12,000 lbs of marine debris (37,159 items)! The 25-year data set is a treasure trove of information on observing the shores of Kachemak Bay. Check out our new data report showing changes in sources of marine debris collected during CoastWalk.

NOAA support has also allowed CACS to export the CoastWalk model to 9 coastal communities across the state through the Alaska CoastWalk Marine Debris Challenge Grant program.
Thanks to the dedication of many CACS volunteers, staff and partners, the CoastWalk program is strong and growing.