Organizers of Clean the Bay Day - a region-wide cleanup of the area's waterways, beaches and shorelines - hope more volunteers will sign up by May 30 for the June 7 event.
Gail Bradshaw of the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department said they especially need anyone with aquatic craft.
"Chesapeake has so much private (shoreline) property, and we can't put volunteers on that," she said. "We do want those businesses and owners to clean up their areas, but we really need boaters to help go on the water and collect litter and trash."
Bradshaw said all types of boaters can help, including kayakers and canoeists, who can get close to shorelines where debris lurks.
"We could use a mixture of boats, from powered to paddle," she said. "Boaters love the outdoors and love a clean waterway, so this is for their benefit, too. And when they come out they have a good time."
Even if you don't own a boat, you're still needed, she said. Volunteers can clean up public areas at Great Bridge Lock Park, Deep Creek Lock Park and the Elizabeth River Park and Boat Landing.
Businesses, too, will be asked to clean up company waterway property. Some bring volunteers on Clean the Bay Day and others come during the week.
"Traditionally, Chesapeake businesses and corporations have been strong supporters of our efforts and those of Clean the Bay Day," Bradshaw said.
She said the campaign aims to clean up, promote anti-litter efforts and track sources and types of debris collected.
"This is a great opportunity for civic leagues, churches, schools, outdoor groups, boating clubs, crew clubs and community service groups to help clean our waters," she said.
To sign up for Clean the Bay Day, visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Clean the Bay Day sign-up page.
Eric Feber, 222-5203, eric.feber@pilotonline.com
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