New York Volunteers Sought: Canal Clean Sweep
In preparation for the 187th navigation season of the New York State Canal System and to mark Earth Day 2011, the New York State Canal Corporation, in partnership with Parks and Trails New York and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, announced that it is seeking volunteers for the Sixth Annual "Canal Clean Sweep" scheduled for the weekend of April 15–17.
The Canal Clean Sweep highlights the canal system as a major recreational and tourism destination in New York state by encouraging communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations to engage in cleanup and beautification activities on Canal lands and along the Canalway Trail. Last year, more than 90 groups participated in the Canal Clean Sweep weekend.
The Canal Corporation, Parks and Trails New York and EFC are seeking the assistance of canal communities and partners to organize clean-up activities in Canal parks, along public promenades, and on the Canalway Trail. The Canal Corporation will provide large bags and trash pickup at each of the events. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and supplies, and to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
For more information on the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep, or to help coordinate an event in your community, please contact Wally Elton of Parks and Trails New York at (518) 434-1583 or email [email protected]. To register events online, please visit Parks and Trails New York's website (www.ptny.org).
Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks and Trails New York, said, "The growth of the Canal Clean Sweep in recent years clearly shows that local pride in the Canal and the Canalway Trail is high and the spirit of volunteerism is flourishing across the state. Especially in such challenging economic times, the canal system and Canalway Trail, which are growing in prominence as a world-class tourism destination, become even more important as close-to-home recreational resources for local residents and all New Yorkers. We are pleased to again join community groups and citizens in cleaning up the canal corridor in advance of the summer season."
