VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The 5 Minute Foundation, along with Virginia State Parks, celebrated the opening of the first International Beach Cleanup Station in Virginia Beach on Sunday.

The foundation is a minority women-led initiative that strives towards ocean conservation.

Mayor Bobby Dyer kicked off the event on Sunday at the First Landing State Park Community Center.

Duke University freshman Annabelle Dyer worked alongside Stacey Shiflet to bring their vision to Virginia Beach.

Annabelle attributes the idea to the 5 Minute Beach Clean Up’s “Friends of the Ocean” program in Costa Rica. The permanent station aims to empower locals and visitors to clean up the beaches to maintain the health of the ocean.

  • 5 Minute Beach Cleanup Station (Courtesy: Annabell Dyer)
  • 5 Minute Beach Cleanup Station (Courtesy: Annabell Dyer)
  • 5 Minute Beach Cleanup Station (Courtesy: Annabell Dyer)
  • 5 Minute Beach Cleanup Station (Courtesy: Annabell Dyer)

For more information on the 5 Minute Foundation, visit their website here.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.