Santa Monica Bay.

The Santa Monica Bay is one of the country's most beautiful and important natural resources. In addition to its significant contribution of aesthetic beauty to our area, it plays a vital role in how it influences our climate, wildlife and commercial opportunities. Unfortunately, the bay was grossly neglected and for years became a convenient dumping spot for waste and raw sewage.

The first successful and concerted effort to reverse this devastating course began in 1985 with the founding of Heal the Bay. Shortly thereafter, the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project was created through combined public and private efforts. The mission of these organizations and others has always been a noble and simple one: Clean our bay so those who choose, may enjoy its vastness for swimming, fishing, surfing, boating, and sheer beauty.

While much progress has been made in the short time of the organizations' inception, there is much more to be done. Volunteering time or donating money to Heal the Bay and other organizations are an option. Education, however, is a must.

http://www.healthebay.org