Coastal Cleanup aims to protect shorelines

The Water Education Collaborative, located at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, is inviting the community to participate in this year's International Coastal Cleanup. Last year, over 200 volunteers helped collect over two tons of trash. The effort aims to protect and restore the shorelines of the Genesee River and Lake Ontario.

Participants are asked to arrive at the cleanup location of their choice by 9 a.m. (with the exception of the Durand Beach location, which begins at 10 a.m.). There are four designated cleanup locations from which to choose: Genesee Valley Park, Durand Eastman Beach, Turning-Point Park, and Seth Green fishing site (in the Maplewood Park area).

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

Following the cleanup, participants are invited to Durand Eastman Park's Sunset Shelter at noon for lunch and entertainment at the "Trash Bash." Raffles and games are also planned.

Those who wish to participate should pre-register, but walk-ins are also welcome. To register on-line, visit: www.thewec.org or contact: Margit Brazda Poirier (585) 271-4552 ext. 320 or email: margit_brazda@rmsc.org.

Provide name, address, day-time phone number and location of participation. To register a group, provide group name, number of participants and the name of the contact person.

The 16th 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 and 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 Wegmans.