Join CRMC, RI Sea Grant, for 24th Annual Coastweeks Celebration

September 9, 2005, WAKEFIELD—The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council and Rhode Island Sea Grant invite the general public and other interested environmentalists-in-training to take part in six weeks of fun and hands-on environmental education and stewardship at the 24th Annual Coastweeks event.

Coastweeks 2005, which runs through the end of October, is sponsored by CRMC and RI Sea Grant, and features events like beach cleanups, documentary viewings, painting and writing workshops, nature walks and hikes, presentations and tours, a shoreline biathlon, and day-in-the-life experiences.  CRMC’s coastal geologist, Janet Freedman will be conducting beach monitoring session for those interested in how the movement of sand affects our shoreline and beach areas.

Coastweeks is dedicated to fostering public awareness of our nation’s shores, the diversity of their uses, and the urgent need for improved planning and management. The event, which runs from September 17 to October 26, is a national celebration of the coast, and Rhode Island’s Coastweeks this year has the largest series of events in years. Join in the effort to document and collect debris on Rhode Island’s shores at one of 55 locations around the state, including rivers. This year’s theme is “Turtles & Trash Don’t Mix.”

On September 19 and 21, the CRMC will introduce participants to the Ninigret Pond eelgrass restoration project that is being undertaken by the CRMC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The beneficial reuse of sediment for beach replenishment is an important component of the project. Those who participate in this trip will evaluate the impact of the South Coast Habitat Restoration project on Charlestown beaches using simple beach profiling techniques. Pre-registration is required.

Celebrate Coastweeks 2005 and the beginning of autumn with a leisurely walk at Fort Wetherill State Park on Conanicut Island. Participants will have the opportunity to poke around the ruins of the fort, explore the coastal scrub habitat, check out the native flora and enjoy the beautiful scenery and views. Or be a commercial fisherman for a day, bottom trawling aboard the University of Rhode Island fisheries vessel Cap’n Bert, where participants will learn about the fishing industry in Rhode Island, and bring home a seafood dinner.

There are also activities for the younger crowd. On September 29 and October 6 and 13, children ages 6 to 13 who love the ocean can participate in a three-part adventure. The first two meetings of “Our Oceans” are at the Tri-Pond Park Nature Center in South Kingstown, where children will do some crafting and learning. At the final meeting, participants will explore Narragansett Beach. The program is also running on September 28 and October 5 and 12 for children ages 3 to 6.

“The CRMC is delighted to be sponsoring Coastweeks along with RI Sea Grant again this year, in addition to offering our own hands-on program,” said CRMC Chairman Michael M. Tikoian. “Coastweeks is an excellent opportunity for the environmental experts to educate and interact with the public, and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the coastal environment.”

Events take place this year from September 17 to October 26. To receive your free calendar of events, call Jean Gallo at (401) 874-6842. Pre-registration is required for the CRMC and other events.