BUFFALO, N.Y. — From downstate to Buffalo and all the lakes in between, New York's state parks have 67 beaches you can enjoy in the summer months. Those spaces need to be kept clean and thanks to a new opportunity this summer, you can take matters into your own hands.

It’s called the Beach Bucket Challenge and it’s coming to a state beach near you. This summer, Beaver Island State Park, Wendt Beach and Bennett Beach are serving as pilot program beaches.

It’s a partnership between Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York State Parks, Erie County Parks and Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.

The idea came from Florida's Andrew Abbott. There will be stations with buckets for beachgoers to voluntarily pick up litter, trash and washed-up debris. The message is simple - take care of our beaches while also discouraging people from leaving their garbage behind.

“Great thing to do with your kids to get kids involved with this because they can get really into it and become aware of the environment and how we can make the difference,” Jenna Brinkworth, community engagement, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, said.

“You know, I think more and more it's becoming a problem. And it's more and more important that we work really hard together to keep all of our communities clean,” Angela Berti, NYS Parks, said.

Here’s a staggering stat: In the U.S., over 2.3 million pounds of trash were collected by volunteers in one day during the 2023 International Coastal Cleanup. The most common items found are cigarette butts and plastic. The Marine Conservation Society’s annual Beachwatch report reveals that over 60% of all litter collected during beach clean-ups consists of single-use plastic items.