Kauai Path Kaua'i Coastal Path

In 2012 & 2013 volunteers removed about 30 tons of organic debris from Morgan's Ponds, but a small amount remains in the main pond.

During the 3-hour cleanup Snorkel for a Cause volunteers will dive for small waterlogged tree branches that have settled at the bottom of the main pond and fill bright blue floating collection bins. Water depth is about eight feet.

A team on the beach will empty the bins and transport shade cloth-filled bundles of debris to a County of Kauai-supplied roll-off container at the edge of the beach for composting.

Morgan’s Ponds are two ocean-fed pools at Lydgate Beach Park bordered by rock walls that protect swimmers from waves. The main pond abounds with tropical fish. The smaller pond is great for very young keiki.

Last year volunteers completed the removal of nearly all of the water-logged debris. As a result, the clarity of the water returned to pre-2011 levels (prior to the seawall reconstruction and pond dredging).

“The number of locals swimming laps and enjoying the pond each morning has grown in the past year,” said Snorkel for a Cause event coordinator Pam Brown, who swims in the main pond most mornings. “The other day a visitor popped his head out of the water after floating around for awhile watching the fish, and said, ‘This is fabulous!’

“We were really fortunate that the winter storms didn’t bring in many branches this year, but there is certainly enough to keep us busy for one morning and to improve the water quality even more,” Brown said.

Anyone wishing to Snorkel for a Cause should bring their own mask, snorkel, fins and gloves. People on the land-based team will want to bring shoes, work gloves, and sun protection. For more information, please contact Ms. Brown at 651-3533.