Volunteers Sought for 'Canal Clean Sweep'

Volunteer groups and individuals are invited to join the New York State Canal Corporation staff for the annual "Canal Clean Sweep," scheduled for the weekend of April 20-22, 2012.

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

Partners for the "Canal Clean Sweep" include the New York State Canal Corporation, the non-profit Parks & Trails New York, and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation. Last year more than 100 groups participated in the clean-up weekend.

Brian U. Stratton, director of the New York State 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."

For more information on the Seventh Annual Canal Clean Sweep, or to help coordinate an event in your community, please contact Elijah Yearick of Parks & Trails New York at (518) 434-1583 or email canalsweep@ptny.org . To register events online in your area, please visit Parks & Trails New York weblink http://www.ptny.org/canalway/sweep/index.shtml.

Individuals or groups interested in joining others in this cooperative clean-up effort should consult the Parks & Trails New York events list 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.