2011 Coastweeks Is Here

Guy Benjamin School students cleaned up the waterfront in Coral Bay last year.

Saturday, September 17, is International Coastal Cleanup day, and also marks the beginning of VI Coastweeks, a three week long period where community members rally together to remove debris from beaches and coastal shores.

During this time debris will be counted and removed not only to beautify St. John, but to protect marine species and habitats and collect valuable information on the amount and type of debris found.

This territory-wide event is supported by Friends of VI National Park, Ocean Conservancy, the Virgin Islands National Park, VI Marine Advisory Service, VI Coastal Zone Management Program and VI Waste Management Authority.

During last year’s Coastweeks nearly 160 volunteers on St. John pitched in by removing over 2,500 pounds of debris from 20 beaches and trails!

Be a part of the growing success of this event and join the Friends’ sponsored beach cleanup of Drunk Bay on Saturday, September 17, at 9 a.m., or consider joining the group’s Adopt-A-Beach/Trail Program and adopt a beach or trail to clean throughout the year.

To find out more about VI Coastweeks, join the coordinated cleanups throughout the territory, or Friends’ Adopt-A-Beach/Trail Program contact Audrey Penn at the Friends at 779-4940 or email apenn@friendsvinp.org.