COLUMBUS, OH -- Coastweeks 2002, Ohio's annual celebration of Lake Erie, is set for August 24 to September 22 in dozens of communities along the shoreline.
The annual Coastweeks observance provides unique opportunities to explore and appreciate Lake Erie through enjoyable educational, environmental and recreational activities. Beach parties, sandcastle-building contests, interpretive hikes and canoe floats, beach cleanups, birding adventures, tours, open houses and more are scheduled in lakefront communities from Painesville to Toledo. Check the Ohio Lake Erie Commission web site at www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo for a complete list of Coastweeks 2002 events or call 419-245-2514 for information.
Coastweeks is designed to teach visitors and residents how they can protect and preserve Ohio's Great Lake. Now in its eleventh year, Ohio's Coastweeks continues its traditional of offering exciting and educational events for people of all ages. The beachfront cleanups, which are a major feature of Coastweeks, are part of an international volunteer effort, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy, to keep coastlines clean and pristine around the world.
Ohio Coastweeks 2002 activities are coordinated by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. The commission was established for the purpose of preserving Lake Erie's natural resources, protecting the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and promoting economic development of the region. It is made up of the directors of Ohio's departments of natural resources, environmental protection, transportation, health and agriculture.
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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860