Jen and Chris Albers, from Brentwood, are an adventure-loving family of 5. They homeschool their three kids, ages 10, 7, and 5. They are animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, so naturally, they’re passionate about conservation and protecting wildlife.
Jen and Chris and their children shared their responses about their beach adoption below.
What beach have you adopted, and when?
We have adopted a section of Seabrook Beach. We adopted it in the summer of 2022. Seabrook Beach is a very special place for me and our family.
Is there a reason you chose this particular area?
Many years ago, my dear grandparents retired to their beach house at Seabrook Beach, so I was lucky to have my childhood summers full of beautiful, fun-filled days at Seabrook Beach with family. After college, my husband and I lived with my grandmother at Seabrook Beach while we saved for our first house.
We even took our wedding photos on Seabrook Beach! My parents have inherited my grandparents’ home, and my children enjoy beautiful, fun-filled days at Seabrook Beach, too. Seabrook Beach is a part of many memories that are near and dear to my heart. For that reason, it seemed like the obvious choice!
Why did you choose to adopt a beach through Blue Ocean Society?
Seven-year-old: We wanted to save the ocean and help animals!
Five-year-old: We did it because we wanted to clean up the beach, and I want to help the animals.
Ten-year-old: We did it because we love nature, and I want to protect wildlife.
We make it a habit always to pick up litter we come across. We spend a lot of time in natural spaces. Unfortunately, we have had several experiences where my children have witnessed animals suffering from the impacts of human litter. These first-hand experiences have sparked a passion for conservation and wildlife rehabilitation in my children. I wanted to empower them and show them that even though they are young, they can make a difference!
They aren’t old enough to volunteer in wildlife rehabilitation, so volunteering for Blue Ocean Society and collecting data for them seemed like a great way to support my children’s wish to do something to help a cause and the animals they care so passionately about.
A common mantra in our house is “Be the change you wish to see.” The adopt-a-beach program lets my kids do just that!
What item(s) do you find the most, and is it what you expected?
Five-year-old- Cigarettes!
Seven-year-old- Foam, firework pieces, and bottle caps too!
Ten-year-old- Pieces of glass and plastic!
Have there been items you’ve found that you weren’t expecting to see a lot of?
Everyone in our family agrees; we were not expecting to find so much foam and Styrofoam.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve found?
Ten-year-old- We found a utility worker helmet!
Seven-year-old- Animal bones!
Five-year-old- Lots and lots of wood pieces!
Do you have a fun cleanup story to share?
In the winter, during high tide, we had a seal pop his little head above the water near the shoreline. He seemed to be checking us out! He reappeared several times to observe us as we walked the beach before disappearing. It was a fun and rewarding reminder about who we were doing this for!
Has adopting this Seabrook Beach changed your behavior?
We try to be mindful of the materials we bring to the beach— small toys and thin film/wrappers are common finds, both of which I think people leave behind accidentally. By leaving these materials at home, we do not have to worry about accidentally contributing to litter and pollution.
Our adopting this beach has also helped change the behavior of others. We have been able to include family members and friends in cleanups, and I’m sure this has inspired some to be more mindful of their choices. It also makes them more likely to pick up litter the next time they see it at the beach!
Additionally, strangers approached us several times during cleanups and thanked us for cleaning the beach. I like to think that the memory of seeing three young kids choosing to help might inspire them to assist in the future, too.
Is there anything else you’d like to share in the blog post?
Ten-year-old- “If you see trash on the beach, even if you aren’t a volunteer, please pick it up!”
The next time you visit the beach, or another natural space, consider planning to collect the litter in your path. Remember– “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall.
Imagine the difference it would make if we all considered caring for the environment and protecting the creatures who call Earth home our responsibility.
Thank you to the Albers Family for all of their hard work cleaning up Seabrook, and their dedication to protecting the environment!
Get Involved!
Click here to learn more about our Adopt-a-Beach program! You can view which beaches are available for adoption, read our AAB Handbook, and fill out an adoption application. While most New Hampshire coastal beaches are currently adopted, we are particularly excited for folks to adopt sites within Great Bay, NH, and the state of Maine. Interested in a beach not on the list or have any questions about this program? Email Danielle at danielle@blueoceansociety.org.
Are you interested in joining a beach cleanup before you commit to adopting? Coordinate a private beach cleanup with your organization, company, club, etc., here!
