(RICHMOND, VA)—Thousands of volunteers and dozens of partner organizations are needed from the Eastern Shore to the Shenandoah Valley to join in the major annual effort to pick up litter from Virginia waterways during Clean the Bay Day this June. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and local partners will celebrate the 31st Clean the Bay Day this year on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. until noon.
"Over the past 30 years Clean the Bay Day has grown into one of the largest volunteer programs in Virginia—and one of the most popular ways to give back to our waterways every year. It's so simple, yet so rewarding," said CBF Hampton Roads Grassroots Manager Tanner Council. "This is a gateway program. People from all walks of life come for a few hours, have a great time, and realize that they too can easily make a positive impact on water quality. Many start looking for what else they can do to help, and there is plenty more to do."
Last year, more than 6,000 volunteers on foot and in boats participated in Clean the Bay Day, removing about 130,000 pounds of litter and debris along well over 300 miles of shoreline.
There are many cleanup locations across Virginia, including on the Eastern Shore, in Hampton Roads, Northern and Central Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley, at many state parks, and other sites in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Early registration is advised. To register at a site near you, visit www.cbf.org/clean. Online registration to a cleanup at one of the participating state parks gets you free entry to the park the day of the event.
CBF is also seeking partner organizations to organize cleanups at new locations across Virginia. Businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and churches can help launch a new cleanup site and create a real benefit for their community and the environment. For more information contact Karen Jacklich at [email protected] or 757-644-4117.
Major corporate sponsors for Clean the Bay Day include REI and River Network/Anheuser-Busch, with additional support from Allegra Marketing Print Mail/Image 360, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., Pender & Coward, P.C., and Port of Virginia.
