International Coastal Clean-Up 2017

For the 6th consecutive year REI, the Bronx River Alliance & the Friends of Soundview Park came together to host one of our biggest volunteer projects of the year, International Coastal Clean-up 2017. We are proud to share that 100 volunteers joined us and picked up 63 bags of trash totaling over 1,000 pounds of debris. Some of the strange items found were a speaker, bird cage & grill. This year we provided a thorough orientation for all volunteers that demonstrated how to assess trash found along the shoreline and shared how their efforts will have a long lasting impact along the 600 mile stretch of the Long Island Sound and its marine life.

 According to the Long Island Sound Study’s management plan, “a sincere appreciation of the Sound and its resources will bridge the gap from knowledge (of issues and potential solutions) to involvement in protecting a vital part of people’s quality of life.” Pg 145. We also offered our usual paddle & pick-up from Concrete Plant Park. All participants received a t-shirt, lunch and an opportunity to be part of a nice REI raffle. As usual Whole Foods provided lunches and Con Edison, De Alma, Cogo Volnteers, Angela’s Pulse, Friends of Soundview Park and others joined us to make it another successful International Coastal Clean-up day of service, fun and community at Soundview Park.

If you’re interested in participating in other volunteer projects please contact Joseph Sanchez at Joseph.Sanchez@parks.nyc.gov.