The 35th Annual International Coastal Cleanup is now underway and Keep Islip Clean (KIC) is recruiting volunteer teams to both remove and collect data on litter found along shorelines.
This global event is an initiative of the Ocean Conservancy, which takes the data they receive from many countries to track pollution trends and seek solutions to the worsening problem of worldwide marine litter.
KIC works in partnership with the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society (ALS) on this ambitious project. As the International Coastal Cleanup sponsor for New York State, ALS provides information and data collection cards to participating groups. Nearly 200 KIC supporters volunteered last year to contribute data from Islip Township waterways. Cleanup areas extend beyond the shoreline beaches from West Islip through Bayport to include streams, wetland borders and other waterway areas throughout Islip.
There are several important differences this year, mainly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The time frame for cleanup projects may now take place through December instead of September only, as in past years. Social distancing guidelines must be strictly followed and people with any risk factors making them vulnerable to the virus are advised to skip participating this year.
The ICC is an opportunity for people of all ages to contribute to an important environmental project. It is also an outdoor event, which is especially attractive now that indoor group activities are limited. A cleanup event is also an excellent opportunity for students to earn community service credits.
For more information and to register your event, contact KIC at 631-224-2627 or [email protected].
