For immediate release: March 20, 2015
Contact: Shane Mahar (518) 471-5300
NEW YORK STATE CANAL CORPORATION INVITES VOLUNTEERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 10TH ANNUAL CANAL CLEAN SWEEP
Clean-up Activities Help Celebrate Earth Day and Prepare for Upcoming Canal Season from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19
The New York State Canal Corporation invites and encourages volunteer groups and individuals from across New York State to participate in the 10th annual Canal Clean Sweep, scheduled for the weekend of Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19.
This year, the spring cleaning events held along the 524-mile-long Canal system will help to celebrate Earth Day as well as prepare the Canal system for the 191st consecutive navigation season, scheduled to begin on May 1, weather permitting.
Partners for the Canal Clean Sweep include the New York State Canal Corporation and non-profit Parks & Trails New York. In 2014, more than 100 groups and 3,000 volunteers participated in the beautification efforts of both the Canal system and Canalway trail.
“New Yorkers have always put service above self,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “The Canal Clean Sweep is a great way for individuals to show their pride in our magnificent waterway and multi-use trails by pitching in with their neighbors to prepare for the upcoming canal season.”
“The Canal Clean Sweep, now in its 10th year, is a dynamic event that keeps on growing,” said Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York Robin Dropkin. “We are excited to welcome back past participants and greet new groups, including businesses, civic groups, sports teams, boating clubs and Adopt-A-Trail groups. Their enthusiastic participation clearly demonstrates their pride in the Canal system and Canalway trail.”
For more information on the 10th annual Canal Clean Sweep, please visit www.ptny.org/canalway/sweep or contact James Meerdink of Parks & Trails New York at (518) 434-1583 or canalsweep@ptny.org.
For more information on the NYS Canal system, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or contact the New York State Canal Corporation Office of Media Relations and Communications at (518) 471-5300.
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The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles, the waterways link the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, Niagara River and Lake Erie with communities rich in history and culture. For more information about the New York State Canal System, vacation opportunities and events call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov.
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