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It’s a good bet that, as the school year winds down, your vacations plans will include a trip to the beach. That’sbecause Americans log almost two billion trips to the seaside every year. Our country’s Atlantic and Pacific Ocean coasts, Gulf of Mexico region and Great Lakes provide endless outdoor fun for so many families. The surf and sand can be even more enjoyable if you take care of your surroundings during your visit.

Beaches serve not only as great vacation spots for people, but as homes for many bird, plant, fish and animal species. Think of your visit to the beach as a visit to a friend’s home: leave it in as good or better condition than you found it, so you’ll be welcome back! That means taking care to pack up all belongings and food at the end of the day, and also properly disposing of waste. Trash left on America’s beaches harms their animal inhabitants in the sand and in the water.

Leaving your surroundings as you found them also means protecting what’s there already. If you’re lucky enough to see wildlife in its natural habitat, try not to disturb it—whether it’s a fish, a nest or even seaweed. This way, you can help protect our country’s marine habitats while leaving them for others to enjoy as you have.

States and cities along coastal areas keep close watch on their beaches. Look to these sources for information on local conditions. By seeing our beaches not just as places to have fun, but as a precious habitat and natural resource, we count on many more sandy memories to come.

Learn more about your favorite beach.

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