Clean Coast Initiative Foundation
Our Environmental Journey
-The Clean Coast Initiative Foundation is leading a multi-state effort to restore native oyster populations as a natural way to improve water quality and rebuild coastal ecosystems. Using floating nurseries and reef restoration, the initiative helps oysters filter pollutants, stabilize habitats, and support marine biodiversity. Active programs are underway in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina—regions facing severe estuarine degradation. By combining science, community engagement, and cross-state coordination, the Foundation aims to create a resilient network of oyster habitats that enhance environmental health and foster long-term sustainability across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern coastal regions.
-The Clean Coast Initiative Foundation has launched a targeted pollution cleanup campaign focused on the Columbia River, one of the most vital waterways in the Pacific Northwest. Flowing through seven U.S. states—Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming—the Columbia River basin supports millions of people, diverse wildlife, and critical agricultural and energy infrastructure. The campaign aims to remove accumulated plastic waste, industrial runoff, and other pollutants threatening water quality and aquatic habitats along the river’s extensive path. By coordinating with local communities, tribal nations, environmental agencies, and volunteers, the initiative seeks to restore the river’s health, enhance biodiversity, and safeguard drinking water and livelihoods for the many regions that depend on this iconic waterway.
-The Clean Coast Initiative Foundation has launched a targeted pollution cleanup campaign focused on the Columbia River, one of the most vital waterways in the Pacific Northwest. Flowing through seven U.S. states—Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming—the Columbia River basin supports millions of people, diverse wildlife, and critical agricultural and energy infrastructure. The campaign aims to remove accumulated plastic waste, industrial runoff, and other pollutants threatening water quality and aquatic habitats along the river’s extensive path. By coordinating with local communities, tribal nations, environmental agencies, and volunteers, the initiative seeks to restore the river’s health, enhance biodiversity, and safeguard drinking water and livelihoods for the many regions that depend on this iconic waterway.
Our Scientific Journey
-The Clean Coast Initiative Foundation’s Hudson River Initiative is an innovative environmental project using native mussels to help reduce PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in the Hudson River, New York. Mussels naturally filter water and accumulate PCBs in their tissues. While they do not degrade the toxins, the foundation harvests them at a safe size and disposes of them through high-temperature incineration, effectively removing PCBs from the ecosystem. Focused in select areas along the Hudson, including zones near Albany and Poughkeepsie, this project demonstrates a sustainable, nature-based solution to pollution, led by a nonprofit filling the gap left by reduced government funding.
-Creating effective constructed wetlands to combat salinity in the Colorado River involves a combination of hydrological engineering, soil science, and ecological restoration. These wetlands function by slowing water flow, allowing sediments and salts to settle while native plants absorb excess nutrients and improve overall water quality. To build such systems, engineers must carefully design water retention basins, select salt-tolerant native vegetation like sedges and cattails, and ensure proper soil composition to facilitate natural filtration without promoting salt buildup. Long-term success also requires continuous monitoring and adaptive management to respond to seasonal changes in water flow and salinity levels. Because the Colorado River flows through seven U.S. states—Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, California, and Wyoming—collaborative, interstate coordination is essential to identify optimal wetland sites, secure funding, and align conservation priorities. These science-based wetlands offer a scalable, sustainable solution to mitigate salinity and restore the health of the river system across the arid Southwest.
-Creating effective constructed wetlands to combat salinity in the Colorado River involves a combination of hydrological engineering, soil science, and ecological restoration. These wetlands function by slowing water flow, allowing sediments and salts to settle while native plants absorb excess nutrients and improve overall water quality. To build such systems, engineers must carefully design water retention basins, select salt-tolerant native vegetation like sedges and cattails, and ensure proper soil composition to facilitate natural filtration without promoting salt buildup. Long-term success also requires continuous monitoring and adaptive management to respond to seasonal changes in water flow and salinity levels. Because the Colorado River flows through seven U.S. states—Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, California, and Wyoming—collaborative, interstate coordination is essential to identify optimal wetland sites, secure funding, and align conservation priorities. These science-based wetlands offer a scalable, sustainable solution to mitigate salinity and restore the health of the river system across the arid Southwest.
Our Restorative Journey
-The Mississippi River Initiative, led by the Clean Coast Initiative Foundation, is a pioneering effort to naturally restore the health of the Mississippi River. By reintroducing native freshwater mussels—known for their ability to filter pollutants—the Initiative aims to reduce harmful substances such as excess nutrients, sediment, bacteria, heavy metals, and agricultural runoff. Spanning ten key states—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana—this nature-based project engages communities through education and hands-on participation, offering a sustainable solution to protect and revitalize one of America’s most iconic waterways.
-To address ongoing pollution challenges in the Ohio River, the Clean Coast Initiative Foundation is implementing a comprehensive pollution solution centered on natural filtration and green infrastructure. Spanning six states—Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—the Ohio River has long faced contamination from industrial runoff, agricultural waste, and urban pollution. The foundation’s approach includes restoring native mussel populations, which act as natural filters to improve water clarity and reduce nutrient overload. Additionally, the initiative promotes the installation of rain gardens and permeable surfaces in surrounding communities to reduce storm water runoff. By combining ecological restoration with community-driven infrastructure improvements, the foundation aims to revitalize the Ohio River’s health and ensure safer, cleaner water for the millions who rely on it.
-To address ongoing pollution challenges in the Ohio River, the Clean Coast Initiative Foundation is implementing a comprehensive pollution solution centered on natural filtration and green infrastructure. Spanning six states—Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—the Ohio River has long faced contamination from industrial runoff, agricultural waste, and urban pollution. The foundation’s approach includes restoring native mussel populations, which act as natural filters to improve water clarity and reduce nutrient overload. Additionally, the initiative promotes the installation of rain gardens and permeable surfaces in surrounding communities to reduce storm water runoff. By combining ecological restoration with community-driven infrastructure improvements, the foundation aims to revitalize the Ohio River’s health and ensure safer, cleaner water for the millions who rely on it.
Community Engagement Programs
To get involved with your community or to help start a community project in your area feel free to email us at:Contact@CleanCoast.US