GLIN==> September Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup Volunteers Needed

Alliance for the Great Lakes

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup Volunteers Needed

Hoping to build on last year’s record-breaking participation in the annual September Adopt-a-Beach™ cleanup, the Alliance for the Great Lakes seeks new and returning volunteers for this year’s event, set for Sept. 19.

The event -- which saw a nearly a 50 percent increase in the number of volunteers last fall -- aims to again clear tens of thousands of pounds of trash from shorelines in the Great Lakes states of Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.

"The September Adopt-a-Beach™ Event is the perfect outlet for people who want to do something to help our Great Lakes,” said Jamie Cross, acting manager of the Alliance’s Adopt-a-Beach™ program. “The benefits go beyond removing litter the day of the event. It’s a fun way to get together with others who love the lakes, and it’s a learning experience for all who participate.”

Dates and times for the event -- which is part of the International Coastal Cleanup -- may vary depending upon location. Volunteers are encouraged to check the Alliance’s registration website for up-to-date information.

Last year more than 6,191 volunteers in three Great Lakes states took part in the one-day event, an increase of 2,000 participants from the previous year’s event. All totaled, volunteers removed nearly 25,000 pounds of trash from 185 locations in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. 

Adopt-a-Beach™ is about more than picking up trash: Volunteers further the Alliance’s healthy beaches campaign by entering their findings into a growing regional database that helps identify the most prevalent sources of beach litter. Information gathered during the event is used to encourage changes in behaviors that contribute to beach litter.

Beach litter is not only unsightly, it’s dangerous. Small children play with cigarette butts, fish consume small pieces of plastic, and birds become entangled in fishing line and balloon strings – all common culprits found on Great Lakes shorelines.

The September event is open to all, including families, individuals, businesses, schools and community groups. The cleanup is part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day, which is the world’s largest shoreline cleanup -- with cleanups taking place in more than 104 countries. 

For more information and to register online, see http://www.greatlakes.org/adoptabeach
For questions about volunteering, contact the following Alliance staff members:

Michigan:
Jamie Cross: 866-850-0745 x12 (toll-free), or jcross at greatlakes.org

Illinois/Indiana:
Abby Crisostomo, 312-939-0838 x228 or acrisostomo at greatlakes.org

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Formed in 1970, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is the oldest independent citizens' organization in North America. Its mission is to conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife. More about the Alliance for the Great Lakes is online at www.greatlakes.org. 


Susan Campbell
Communications Manager
Alliance for the Great Lakes
414-540-0699
Visit http://www.greatlakes.org



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