SEA ISLE CITY – Over 250 volunteers from across the region gathered in Sea Isle City on April 26 during the resort’s 2014 Spring Beach Clean-Up, hosted by Sea Isle’s Environmental Commission. The yearly “Beach Sweep” took place from 1st Street in the north-end to 94th Street in Townsend Inlet and also in the marina district along 42nd Place. The event’s large number of volunteers included scout troops, families, businesses, students, retirees, members of civic organizations and other eco-minded participants.
While gathering wind-blown candy wrappers, plastic water bottles and other bits of trash and debris, volunteers carefully documented what items they discovered on the beaches and dunes. That data was sent to Clean Ocean Action in Highlands, NJ, where it will be compiled with similar information from other shore communities in order to identify possible pollution issues.
Volunteers also planted 1000 sapling trees in the dunes and other areas around town. The plants – Beach Plumb, Short Needle Pine, Willow Oak and Pitch Pine – were supplied by New Jersey’s Shade Tree Commission.
According to Sea Isle City Environmental Commission Chairperson Annette Lombardo, Saturday’s Beach Clean-Up was a record-breaking event.
“We had a wonderful turn-out!” said Lombardo. “The highest number of volunteers we ever saw was in 2012 with 196 people. This year, over 250 volunteers removed hundreds of pounds of debris from our beaches and dunes – and we are grateful to each of them. We are also grateful to Mike Monichetti and his family for donating the delicious luncheon our volunteers enjoyed afterwards.”
To learn more about the Sea Isle City Environmental Commission, phone (609) 263-2081.
Avalon – This economy is tough for everyone. Think I might have to sell my beach house! A good problem, but still forced.
