More than 100 clean-up events scheduled across New York state to celebrate Earth Day and kick-off canal navigation season
Volunteer groups across New York State are making final preparations for the 12th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, with most events scheduled for the upcoming weekend,April 21-23, 2017.
More than 100 Clean Sweep events have been scheduled across the 524-mile-long Canal System, providing opportunities for residents to give back to their local community and to show pride in a unique cultural and recreational resource. Canal Clean Sweep also celebrates Earth Day, and volunteer efforts will help to prepare the Canals for the 193rd consecutive navigation season, scheduled to begin May 1, weather permitting. This year’s events have added significance as they mark the beginning of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial Celebration.
To learn more about Canal Clean Sweep, and view the map of scheduled events, visitwww.ptny.org/events/canal-clean-sweep.
Media inquiries should be directed to James Meerdink at Parks & Trails New York.
Canal Clean Sweep is organized by the non-profit Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation. Last year more than 150 groups and 3,000 volunteers participated in the clean-up weekend. Barton & Loguidice, a full-service planning, engineering, environmental science, and landscape architecture firm with offices throughout New York State, is sponsoring this year’s event.
Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, said, “Canal Clean Sweep is a great way for community groups and individuals to show their pride in our magnificent Canal System and Canalway Trail by pitching in with their neighbors.”
Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, “Canal Clean Sweep is an event that keeps growing, while still retaining its local flavor. This year’s events have a special significance as they’ll kick off a season of celebration of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial and its recreational and cultural significance.”
“Designing in our historic and natural environments is an important facet of Barton & Loguidice’s work, and we are once again pleased to partner with Parks & Trails New York on the Canal Clean Sweep”, said Senior Vice President, Scott D. Nostrand, P.E. “Our staff enjoys participation in Earth Day events, and to do so on trails and in parks systems where we have had a hand in designing and improving the historic canal landscape, brings extra meaning to our work. It is always an honor to sweep these sites, and know that it enhances the Public’s enjoyment and understanding of the historic surroundings.”
For more information on the 12th annual Canal Clean Sweep, to register an event or to find an event to participate in, visit www.ptny.org/events/canal-clean-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, visit www.canals.ny.gov or contact the New York State Canal Corporation Office of Public Affairs, (518) 436-2983.
For more information on Parks & Trails New York, visit www.ptny.org or call (518) 434-1583.