Kids learn by example, right? So if you want your children to be good stewards of our beaches and natural resources, take the lead. Put your trash in proper receptacles, clean your beach site before you leave, and show respect to wildlife.

It’s just that easy. We’ve put together basic principles you can teach kids to help keep our beaches clean.

Know Before You Go: Talk to them ahead of time about doing their part to keep the beach clean.

Choose the Right Path: Sea oats, plantings, fencing and dunes are there to protect the coast. Make sure you and your kids take the boardwalk or designated walking paths.

Be Careful with Fire: This is just good advice no matter where you are.

Respect Wildlife: Don’t feed the birds, and avoid bird and sea turtle nests.

Trash Your Trash: Put that plastic bottle in the recycling bin and your trash in the other one. Be sure to pick up food wrappers and leftovers that birds and other wildlife might ingest.

Leave What You Find: Don’t pick the sea oats.

Be Kind to Others: This is another good life tip for any situation.

Children love our beaches and they love to know they can make a difference in protecting them. Talk with them during your visit about the importance of little efforts such as putting their cans and bottles in the appropriate bins. Children are smart – if taught, they can easily understand the connection between what we leave behind and what ends up in our waterways.