Volunteers Pitch In for 'Canal Clean Sweep'

More than 100 groups of volunteers are expected to join in for the seventh annual "Canal Clean Sweep" on the weekend of April 20-22, 2012.

Sponsoring partners for the "Canal Clean Sweep" are the New York State Canal Corporation, the non-profit Parks & Trails New York, and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.

The events along the 524-mile-long Canal system help celebrate Earth Day, April 22, and prepare the canals for the 188th consecutive navigation season, scheduled to begin May 1, weather permitting.

Brian U. Stratton, director of the Canal Corporation, said, "The Canal Clean Sweep is a great way for community groups and individuals to show their pride in our magnificent Canalway Trail system by pitching in with their neighbors."

Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, said, "We are thrilled to see the tremendous response from Adopt-a-Trail groups, businesses, civic organizations, student groups, and other volunteers. The growth of this event shows that local pride in the Canal and Canalway Trail is high and the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well across the state."

Matthew Driscoll, president and CEO of the Environmental Facilities Corporation, said, "The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation finances water quality projects all across New York State. We are proud to partner with the Canal Corporation and Parks and Trails New York to promote the Seventh Annual Canal Clean Sweep in honor of Earth Day. With the help of volunteers all along the Canal, this weekend's Clean Sweep will help preserve the beauty and water quality of this historic waterway."

A list of Canal Clean Sweep events statewide can be found at http://www.ptny.org/canalway/sweep/index.shtml .

For more information, contact the New York State Canal Corporation, Office of Public Affairs, (518) 436-2983.

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