PRESS RELEASE - Volunteer organizations, municipalities and individuals are invited to join the New York State Canal Corporation staff for the 8th annual “Canal Clean Sweep,” scheduled for the weekend of April 19-21, 2013.

In recognition of Earth Day and in advance of the 189th consecutive navigation season and the summer tourism season, community groups and others are encouraged to participate in the spring cleaning events to prepare and beautify the Canal system and Canalway Trail.

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 115 groups took part in 85 events throughout the Canal corridor and this year there are nearly 100 individual clean-up events are scheduled.

“The Canal Clean Sweep is a great way for community groups and individuals to show their pride in our historic Canal System by pitching in with their neighbors,” said Director of the New York State Canal Corporation Brian U. Stratton. “We again, encourage one and all, to join in on the clean-up effort of our magnificent Canals and Canalway Trail”

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 Eighth 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.