The 4th annual Canal Clean Sweep
was a huge success

View summary and photos of 2009 events

Although some forecasts were “iffy,” in the end fair weather prevailed across the state for the annual “spring cleaning” of the NYS Canal Corridor, organized by Parks & Trails New York in collaboration with the NYS Canal Corporation, the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, and the NYS Consumer Protection Board. Timed for the weekend closest to Earth Day (April 18-19), the 2009 Canal Clean Sweep consisted of 84 community canal and Canalway Trail clean up events – a record number - in 17 counties throughout the New York State Canal System.

Most local event organizers reported large turnouts, reflecting a rising interest among New Yorkers in giving back to their communities. This year, for the first time, two elected public officials, Congressman Dan Maffei and NYS Assemblyman David Townsend, organized events in their districts. Other events were hosted by businesses, civic organizations, Adopt-a-Trail groups, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, churches, and Scouts.

Also new in 2009 was a special kick-off event on Friday, April 17, in Utica that included a Shredding Day at which businesses and individuals could safely 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 committed their time and energy to making the 2009 Canal Clean Sweep such a success! Click on the link above to view some photographs and reports on individual events (organized approximately from west to east and south to north). Watch for information on the 2010 Canal Clean Sweep here early next year.

.

PHOTO CAPTION: Clean Sweep crew from Bergmann Associates at work in Pittsford (Monroe County).

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.