2010 International Beachcombing Conference

Nov. 12-14, 2010

U. of DE's Virden Retreat Center

700 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE

The International Beachcombing Conference offers consummate and novice beachcombers alike the opportunity to come together to meet, greet and learn more about the beachcombing experience and the science which makes beachcombing possible. 

Speakers include nationally-known environmentalists, oceanographers, anthropologists, geologists and photographers, many who are also award-winning authors. 

Attendees will gain a broader view of the factors affecting our beaches worldwide and how they effect the beachcombing experience. Have you ever wondered where the artifacts you find came from? With the guidance of experts, learn how to trace the origins of your collected beach treasures. 

Learn about paleontology, anthropology, ethics and climate change during conference lectures and panel discussions. You will have the chance to attend workshops, field practica and artifact identification sessions designed for all levels of experience. Throughout the weekend, attendees can relax and browse local artisans' beach crafts and jewelry. 

For more information click Beachcombing Conference.

Step away from the sea glass... if you can!

An interesting phenomenon in the sea glass collecting world is the takeover by the National Park Service of coastal locations that were once town dumps. These areas provide some of the best sea glass collecting as they offer copious amounts in a myriad of colors and shapes to hunters who are willing to trek the many miles for the enjoyment of collecting.

Once the National Park Service takes over an area the collector is no longer allowed to keep the sea glass they find. Visitors are told that the sea glass, once trash, is now "a natural resource" and belongs to everybody. This just oozes with irony, doesn't it?

I understand from the Park's point of view the desire to retain the sea glass as it increases tourism to an area ( i.e. $$$ ). If people are allowed to keep the naturally tumbled gems eventually there will be nothing left and the tourists will disappear.

It will be interesting to see if collectors will still be willing to spend the time and money to travel to these locations if they can't keep the sea glass they find. It may be that the Naional Park Service's position is in a Catch 22.

Two National Park locations that I have visited are Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, Ca and Spectacle Island, Boston, MA. Click on the hyperlinks to see more about these areas.