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Local Businesses Sponsor Cleanup of St. Joseph Bay
Volunteers Pitch In as Part of the National River Cleanup
Local businesses are banding together to tackle litter in St. Joseph Bay as part of the National River Cleanup 2009. Three local outfitters will offer free kayak rentals to responsible adults and their families who wish to participate in the cleanup on Saturday, May 9, between 9 a.m. and noon ET.
"These businesses are dedicated to protecting St. Joseph Bay because a healthy community starts with a healthy waterfront. Our volunteers are excited to pitch in because a cleaner bay is a healthier bay," said Debbie VanVleet, owner/operator of Happy Ours Kayak & Canoe Outpost.
National River Cleanup, sponsored by American Rivers, is a series of community-based waterway cleanups happening nationwide. This popular annual event raises public awareness of the magnitude of trash accumulating in our nation's waterways. Port St. Joe will be participating along with tens of thousands of volunteers taking part in hundreds of cleanups across the country to remove trash from local rivers and other important bodies of water. Learn more about National River Cleanup at www.AmericanRivers.org/cleanup.
"St. Joseph Bay is so important to our community that we've got to take every opportunity we can to protect it, for us and for future generations. Keeping it clean is one way that citizens can do their part for the pristine waters we all love," said VanVleet.
"It's thrilling to see so many people across the nation pitching in to protect their local waterways," said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers, the organization that sponsors National River Cleanup. "We applaud the work of Port St. Joe not just for speaking out for St. Joseph Bay, but for taking action to keep it healthy."
The Sixth Annual St. Joseph Bay Cleanup and Kayak Festival is sponsored by Happy Ours Kayak & Canoe Outpost (229-1991), Scallop Cove BP (227-1573), and Seahorse Water Safaris (227-1099). Please contact them for information and reservations.
A limited supply of collection bags are available, or you may bring your own trash bags. Water shoes and gloves are recommended. Participants must provide a valid VISA or MasterCard as security against loss of or damage to "free" rental equipment. Adults (18 and over) must sign a waiver of liability for themselves and their minor children. Minors must be supervised by an adult at all times.
For more information on waterway cleanups happening throughout the watershed, around the state or across the country, visit: www.AmericanRivers.org\cleanup.
