CRMC, RI Sea Grant sponsor 27th Annual Coastweeks

September 16, 2008, WAKEFIELD – The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council and the Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program invite the general public and other interested environmentalists-in-training to take part in more than four weeks of fun and hands-on environmental education and stewardship at the 27th Annual Coastweeks event.

Coastweeks 2008: A Celebration of the Coast, which runs from September 13 until October 15, is sponsored by CRMC and RI Sea Grant, and is dedicated to fostering awareness, understanding and improved management of the coast. The annual celebration features events like statewide cleanups, harbor tours and day cruises watercolor workshops, historic lighthouse tours, lectures and cooking demonstrations.

As part of Coastweeks, join in the effort to document and collect debris on Rhode Island’s shores at one of 80 locations around the state, including its rivers. This year’s theme is “Keep the Sea Free of Debris.” The statewide International Coastal Cleanup is organized by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

This year, the CRMC is sponsoring a cleanup of Swan Point Cemetery as part of this statewide effort, on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit http://www.asri.org, contact Eugenia Marks, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, at (401) 949-5454 or e-mail emarks@asri.org. Bring gloves, sturdy shoes or boots and wear weather-appropriate gear. Those who would like to volunteer at Swan Point Cemetery can contact Laura Ricketson-Dwyer at CRMC at lricketson@crmc.ri.gov. Please be prompt in arriving, as security will be on-site directing volunteers. There is ample parking at the cleanup sites within the cemetery, and security will shuttle volunteers to and from the three cleanup locations if necessary. Audubon will be supplying t-shirts to volunteers, and the cemetery staff will be serving water and light refreshments as well. For more information about Swan Point Cemetery and the site locations, contact Joseph Cavallaro, director of grounds operations, at 272-1314.

“The CRMC is delighted to be sponsoring Coastweeks along with RI Sea Grant again this year, in addition to taking part, for the third year, in the Audubon International Coastal Cleanup,” 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. We’re excited about showcasing our latest habitat restoration project, as well as our other coastal programs.”

Events take place this year from September 13 to October 15. To receive your free calendar of events, call Jean Gallo at (401) 874-6842. Pre-registration is required for some events.

Directions to Swan Point Cemetery cleanup site: The address for Swan Point Cemetery is 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. Upon entering through the main entrance, turn left onto North Way and follow it heading northeast until reaching the end. Then take a right onto Riverside Avenue and follow until it becomes Beach Avenue. Continue on Beach Avenue until the end. This is the Perryville Landing site for the cleanup.