Clean the Bay Day 2009

Save The Date
And Help Clean Virginia's Waterways
Clean the Bay Day
Saturday, June 6, 2009
9 a.m. - 12 Noon

More than 120 tons of debris were removed from Bay waterways and shorelines during 2008 Clean the Bay Day events. From Northern Virginia to the North Carolina border, and from the Shenandoah Valley to Virginia's Eastern Shore, 7,020 volunteers removed over 120 tons of debris from 434 miles of state waterways.

The Virginia Port Authority will be seeking volunteers for the 21st Annual Clean the Bay Day, Saturday, June 6, 2009. It's a great opportunity for individuals, families, businesses, and groups to help clean up debris from waterways Hampton Roads. Boaters, divers, and landlubbers are welcome.

Marine debris remains one of the most pervasive and visible reminders that the Chesapeake Bay is in need of restoration and improved stewardship.

Shoreline litter is washed from roadways into storm drains that carry it to creeks, rivers, and the Bay. In addition to being a public eyesore and nuisance, debris can be harmful to fish and wildlife and clog wetlands, reducing their effectiveness as buffers for runoff and as shelter for wildlife.

The removal and disposal of this debris by volunteers is a service to local communities, the Commonwealth, and the Bay. Clean the Bay Day is a cost effective way for localities to increase environmental stewardship among their citizens.

For more information about Clean the Bay Day or to learn how to participate please contact:
Heather Mantz at (757) 683-2152 or email cleanthebay@portofvirginia.com