The Water Education Collaborative, located at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, is inviting the community to participate in this year's International Coastal Cleanup. The 15th Annual International Coastal Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last year, approximately 250,000 pounds of debris was collected from over 1,000 sites worldwide. The Rochester community is joining in this extensive effort to protect and restore this unique community resource along the Genesee River and Durand Eastman Beach.

There are four designated cleanup locations to choose from: Genesee Valley Park, Durand Eastman Beach, Turning Point Park, and Seth Green fishing site (in the Maplewood Park area).
Participants are asked to arrive at the cleanup location of their choice by 9 a.m. A complimentary breakfast of bagels, juice and coffee will start the day.

Volunteers will be given gloves, bags, and data cards to record the garbage collected. This information will be added to a nation-wide database as part of the international effort.

At noon at Durand Eastman Park, lunch and entertainment, raffle to win a cruise on the Sam Patch and passes to the Rochester Museum & Science Center, will be part of the "Trash Bash."

Those who wish to participate are encouraged to pre-register for the event. Walk-ins are also welcome. To register, contact: Margit Brazda (716) 271-4552 ext. 320. Or e-mail: margit_brazda@rmsc.org. Provide name, address, day-time phone number, and participation location. To register a group, in addition to this information, provide the group name, number of participants and the name of the contact person.

The 15th Annual International Coastal Cleanup along the Genesee River and Durand Eastman Beach is a joint effort organized by the Water Education Collaborative at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, in partnership with Monroe County, the City of Rochester, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Monroe County 4-H Club, the Town of Irondequoit, and the Adirondack Mountain Club.