INDIVIDUALS AROUND LAKE ERIE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN UPCOMING COASTWEEKS AND TAKE PRIDE IN AMERICA EVENTSTOLEDO, OH - A number of state parks, nature preserves and wildlife areas will participate in the national Coastweeks observance, August 21-September 19, with projects aimed at cleaning up Ohio's recreational areas along Lake Erie. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission are seeking volunteers for these events, which are also being coordinated through the national "Take Pride in America" program. Ohio's Coastweeks is part of a nationwide effort to educate the public about protecting coastlines around the country. Nearly 50 events are scheduled along Lake Erie throughout the month, including beach walks and cleanups, nature programs, and shoreline conferences. Take Pride in America is a national partnership seeking support and recognition for volunteers who work to improve public recreational areas, including forests, grasslands and wildlife refuges. Ohio became a partner to the program this year. "These events provide a wonderful opportunity for communities to join together in a concerted effort to keep one of Ohio's most prized treasures - the Lake Erie coastline - vibrant and beautiful," said Scott Zody, a deputy director with Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Take Pride In America events being held during the Coastweeks celebration include: Edgewater Park Beach Cleanup - 9 a.m., Saturday, August 28 at Edgewater Park Beach in Cleveland. Plan to make a difference at this beach. Dress for the weather and wear old shoes and old clothes. No registration deadline or fee. For more information, call 216-651-6330. East Harbor State Park Cleanup - 8 a.m., Saturday, September 4 at the park, Lakeside-Marblehead. Gets the kids involved, come learn about conservation and pick up litter along the beach. Enjoy a poster contest, displays and conservation activities. Magee Marsh Beach Cleanup - 10 a.m., Saturday, September 11 at Magee Marsh Wildlife Beach. No registration deadline or fee. Dress for the weather. Refreshments will be provided. Help make the wildlife beach a safe place for people and wildlife. Maumee Watershed Clean Your Streams Day - 8 a.m., Saturday, September 11. Register at one of four places: Highland Park for clean up along Swan Creek; Ottawa Park or Ottawa River Yacht Club for Ottawa River sites; and UT Lake Erie Center for Duck & Otter Creek sites. Wear old clothes and old shoes. Coastweeks Beach Clean up at Euclid Beach - 10 a.m., Saturday, September 11 at the park pavilion. Help collect and record litter from the beach. Bring gloves, wear old shoes and old clothes. Coastweeks Beach Cleanup at Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve - 8:30 p.m., Saturday, September 11 at the marina office. Wear comfortable shoes, bottled water, and consider bringing gloves. Coastweeks Cleanup at Maumee Bay State Park - 10 a.m., Saturday, September 18 at park nature center. Registration deadline is September 15, no fee. Lunch is provided afterward for volunteers. Join the staff in this park-wide cleanup. Call 419-836-9117 for more information. Folly at Fifty at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve - 8 a.m., Saturday, September 18 at the marsh. Bring a friend and help clean up the beach at the preserve. Plan to spend the day as the 50th anniversary of conservation at the preserve is celebrated. For more information call 419-433-2132. Environmental organizations, schools, libraries, community groups and individuals interested in volunteering should call the local park or nature preserve office or the Ohio Lake Erie Commission at 419-245-2514. For a complete list of the nearly 50 Coastweeks events this year, visit the Lake Erie Commission web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo or call 419-245-2514. For more information on the Take Pride in America campaign, visit www.TakePride.gov
Source: ODNR
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