15 Years and Going Strong!

Mary von Tolksdorf. Photo: FMSA

Mary Von Tolksdorf, Limantour West

Interview by Shannon Lyday

How did you first hear about Beach Watch?

I always wanted to do some type of volunteer work. One day I picked up the Marin Independent Journal and it had an article advertising the program.  My husband Vaughn and I signed up. We were really happy they accepted us into the program - it was just fantastic. 

What are your other interests? 

Anything outdoors – hiking, camping, nature photography.  I spend as much time as I can on my beach – I go out there even when I am not surveying it.

Any interesting stories about your life?

My husband and I left the East Coast on July 4, 1979 and traveled for 3 months across the country. It was during the gas crisis and people thought we were crazy to drive across country. We were just going to stay in California a little while, and we never ended up leaving.

Tell us about your most unusual beach find.

An 85-pound tarball!  It was during the first year we were surveying. We could not figure out what it was as we walked up to it. We checked it out and scraped it and Vaughn said, “I think it’s a tarball”. How could a tarball be that big? At first when we called it in they did not believe us - they thought since we were so new we did not know what we were talking about.   Staff from the Sanctuary and the park service came to look at it. They ended up bringing out a gurney to pick it up. 

Describe your interest in marine conservation.

I have had a passion for the ocean since I was little. I grew up near the beach in New Jersey and I always spent time on the coast. All my friends know I have salt water running through my body.

I have grown to love the ocean more through Beach Watch. It made me aware that everything needs to be in balance. The program has made me a better person, and I appreciate nature more. For example, once I learned about how plastic harms the environment, I try to pick up as much as I can when I walk back from my survey. I try to make other people aware when they ask me what I am doing.  Even if you can only take a few items of trash off the beach, less wildlife will be harmed.

What has made you continue with the program for 15 years?

I love the mission of Beach Watch.  It has become a part of me and who I am. I love that the staff makes us feel like what we are doing is important. I enjoy the people I work with which makes a big difference.

After Vaughn passed away I wanted something continuous. Beach Watch was a big part of healing for me.  I feel him when I am out at Limantour.

Do you ever think of giving up your beach?

No, I would give up my life before I would give up my beach! Someday I will be a little old lady hobbling along that stretch of sand.

Do you volunteer for other organizations?

For the past four years I have volunteered for California Department of Health Services.  I sample phytoplankton out at Chimney Rock in Point Reyes.

Do you have any advice for fellow or future Beach Watchers?

Be passionate about what you do.  Each month when you go out there look at the beach through new eyes. Each survey is a new experience.  It is fascinating to me how the beach changes all the time.  I never realized how the geology of the land constantly reshapes itself. 

What do you love about Beach Watch?

The passion everyone has for “their” beach. I love that when I run into fellow volunteers how excited they are to share what they found on their beach.

I really look forward to my survey.  There are always new things to learn.  I love finding out what is going on out there. If I could do Beach Watch more I would.