Teen environmental activist wins major prize for beach cleanup initiative

Caymus 'CO' Maxson was just 10 years old when she witnessed beach debris being raked back into the sea. Rather than accept the practice, she decided to take action, launching what would become Trash Turtles, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to beach cleanup and marine conservation.

Six years after its founding, the initiative has achieved significant environmental milestones. Trash Turtles has removed more than six tons of debris from coastal areas, cleaned over 300 miles of beaches, and recovered and recycled approximately 75,000 cigarette butts—a major source of ocean pollution.

Maxson's efforts have now earned recognition from the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, a prestigious award that honors young people aged 8-18 for exemplary service to others. The 2026 honor reflects both the scale of Trash Turtles' environmental impact and Maxson's commitment to engaging youth in conservation efforts.

Based in California, Trash Turtles represents a growing movement of young environmental activists working to address coastal pollution and marine ecosystem degradation. The organization's approach combines hands-on cleanup efforts with education and advocacy, positioning young volunteers as agents of environmental change in their communities.