Who: EVERYONE! What: Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup When: SATURDAY, APRIL 20,2013 Where: GATHER FOR CHECK IN AT THE TEXAS STATE MARINE EDUCATION CENTER PALACIOS, TEXAS Time: 10:00AM – Noon Hot Dog Lunch Provided! Prizes for all who attend.

Dear Fellow Texans: Everybody loves the beach, but not everyone respects the beach. Every year, beachgoers leave tons of trash on Texas beaches and even more washes up from the Gulf of Mexico, or from streams and rivers. Help us keep the Texas coast clean by joining a beach cleanup, becoming a Beach Guardian or by making a donation to help us further our work. Join me at the next cleanup! Jerry Patterson Commissioner Texas General Land Office

Patterson promotes Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup with shocking PSA More than 10,000 Texans join forces April 20 for nation’s biggest coastal cleanup AUSTIN — The annual Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup is Saturday, April 20 and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is getting the word out with a creative -- and revolting -- new public service announcement. “Fresh from the sea, enjoy these special dishes prepared just for you, like used cigarette butts and broken bottle combo,” says an unreasonably chipper voice while a plate piled with broken glass and beer bottle tops is served up. “Or why not try our new catch of the day — 55-gallon drum. And make sure to save plenty of room for our all new dirty diaper pie.” The ad is available is being sent to television stations statewide and is available here:

“This ad is intentionally disgusting,” Patterson said. “But sometimes folks need to be shocked into understanding that the trash they drop on the beach makes it into the ocean and eventually into our food chain. Hopefully this ad will motivate people to keep our beaches clean. Just don’t watch it before dinner.” Texas — home to the nation’s first all-volunteer beach cleanup in 1986 — boasts one of the biggest all-volunteer beach cleanups in the world. And on April 20, more than 10,000 Texans are expected to participate in the Adopt-A-Beach Spring Cleanup at 28 sites along the Texas Coast.

Sample Safety Speech Today is going to be a fun day; however we need to take a moment to talk about safety. Please be careful handling sharp items. Needles and pieces of glass can cut right through your bag and should be placed in a “sharps” type container. (Use an empty coffee can, milk jug, or detergent bottle). If you find a containers that has liquid in it and it is sealed tight, please leave as is and do not empty the contents. This may weigh down your bag, but it is better that the contained liquid stay off the beach and out of the water. Use common sense when picking up items. Remember, you do not have to pick up anything you do not want to. Let me or a site coordinator know and we’ll come remove it for you. Keep your gloves and shoes (closed toe) on until the end. If you find any type of hazardous materials like batteries, gas cans, 55- gallon drums or ammunition, please tell one of the site coordinators immediately. For your safety, please stay out of the dunes. Rattlesnakes often hide up in the dunes. Also, remember – it is very important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and rest if you begin to feel overheated. Also, protect yourself from the sun. Wear cool comfortable clothing, use sunblock as needed. Thank you.