The Washington CoastSavers is holding two free public programs in preparation for the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on April 26.

Representatives from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Debris Program and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary will discuss sources and threats of marine debris in the Pacific Ocean and will highlight upcoming cleanup efforts sponsored by the Washington CoastSavers.

The programs are scheduled for:

Monday: 7-8:30 p.m., REI Store, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle.

April 15: 7-8:30 p.m., Olympic National Park Visitor Center, 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles.

Washington CoastSavers is a program of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, a new partnership of nonprofit groups, citizen volunteers and government agencies. The alliance was created in January to increase public awareness of the threats and causes of marine debris and unify the many beach cleanup events along Washington’s coast.

The alliance is organizing the April cleanup and assisting with other efforts. The other cleanups in 2008 are the Longbeach Summer Cleanup on July 5 and Operation Shore Patrol on Sept. 20.

This year’s event in April will stretch along the entire coast, from the Makah Indian Reservation to Cape Disappointment State Park. While many of the beaches are easily accessible, some are more difficult to reach. To help participants plan where they want to work, the alliance’s Web site has a map showing beaches and their ease of access.

To get involved

For more information or to sign up for this year’s cleanup event, visit the Washington Clean Coast Alliance Web site at www.coastsavers.org.