200 Coordinators Needed to Give Hudson River Spring Cleaning - April 22-30

Scenic Hudson's 2006 Great River Sweep aims to remove 100 tons of trash

(HUDSON VALLEY ) - WANTED: A few hundred environmental heroes to coordinate an all-volunteer cleanup of the Hudson River, the largest volunteer event in the Hudson Valley.

Give Back to Your Hudson River Nine Days to Choose From Saturday, April 22 - Sunday, April 30

Whether you live in a city, town, or rural area, this is your chance to be part of a grassroots effort to sweep clean an environmental jewel of the Northeast. In just a few hours, you can make a mighty difference in the scenic beauty of one of the most majestic river valleys in North America.

Coordinate a cleanup in your community and send a powerful message to key decision-makers that you want a healthy, clean, beautiful river.

How to Get Involved
It's easy. Visit the Sweep's new Web site, GreatRiverSweep.org, to learn more, sign up and help spread the word. Or call (845) 473-4440, ext. 265, and our Sweep staff will be happy to help you.

Everyone's Invited
You see the Hudson's inspiring beauty, and you're passionate about protecting it. Don't miss this opportunity to adopt your river and plan a Great River Sweep cleanup. While you're at it, help your friends and neighbors see the Hudson's beauty too. Last year the Great River Sweep engaged 7,000 volunteers in removing 93 tons of trash. We're prepared to deliver even more this year, resulting in cleaner, safer and more enjoyable riverfronts, public parks and scenic vistas. Your community has places that need your care - parks, creeks, scenic overlooks, or the shores of the Hudson itself. Join us and be a force of change.

"People return every year to join the Great River Sweep - from the old to the young, from those who've lived near the Hudson River all their lives, to those who are just discovering it," says Andy Bicking, director of Scenic Hudson's Education and Volunteer program. "People really have a deep and abiding commitment to a healthy environment and to this truly amazing river, and they're taking responsibility by scooping up tires, bags of trash, and beaming with pride at what they've accomplished."

What's Everyone Picking Up?
The most common items collected are bottles, cans, food, candy wrappers, foam, cigarette butts and tires.

Over the years, the Great River Sweep has united more than 30,000 volunteers to clean up some 300 tons of trash along the river - an effort described by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison as "an act of fierce love." "The Great River Sweep represents humanity at its noblest," Ms. Morrison said.

Academy Award winning actress and activist Meryl Streep agrees, adding "Scenic Hudson's greatest strength is uniting people in protecting and enjoying the magnificent river that flows through our lives."

Sponsors
Scenic Hudson's Great River Sweep receives financial and gift-in-kind support from Benjamin Moore Paints, Clear Channel Radio of the Hudson Valley, Citizens Bank, Tom's of Maine, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and M&T Bank.