Canal Clean Sweep reaches five-year milestone; set for April 16 – 18, 2010
Although the weekend of April 17-18 brought cool and wet weather across much of the state, New Yorkers demonstrated their enthusiasm for their local canal
segment and their commitment to making a difference by turning out in record numbers for the annual “spring cleaning” of the NYS Canal Corridor. This year’s Canal Clean Sweep, organized by Parks & Trails New York in collaboration with the NYS Canal Corporation, the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, and the NYS Consumer Protection Board, consisted of 95 community canal and Canalway Trail clean up events – the most yet - in 17 counties throughout the New York State Canal System. As in the past, the 2010 Canal Clean Sweep was timed to approximately coincide with Earth Day.
Many local event organizers reported large turnouts, in some cases the best yet, reflecting a rising interest among New Yorkers in giving back to their communities. Again this year, NYS Assemblyman David Townsend hosted an event in his district. And, for the first time, Enterprise Rent-a-Car employees held two events in central and western New York. Other events were organized by businesses, civic organizations, Adopt-a-Trail groups, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, churches, and Scouts.
As in 2009, a special kick-off event took place on Friday, April 16, in Utica that included a Shredding Day at which businesses and individuals could securely recycle personal records, discs, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards. Shredding and recycling services were provided by Confidata.
As in previous years, the Canal Clean Sweep offered communities across the state the perfect opportunity to engage residents in enhancing the beauty and safety of the canal system for the enjoyment of New Yorkers and visitors alike. 
We thank all local organizers and the hundreds of volunteers who gave their time and energy to making the fifth annual Canal Clean Sweep such a success! Click on the link above to view some photographs and reports on individual events. Watch for information on the 2011 Canal Clean Sweep here early next year. If you would like more information about how you can be involved, contact Wally Elton at Parks & Trails New York (518-434-1583 or welton@ptny.org).
29 Elk Street * Albany, NY 12207 * (ph) 518-434-1583 * (fax) 518-427-0067 * ptny@ptny.org
Parks & Trails New York is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as defined by the IRS.