June is Indiana Coastal Awareness Month. The month gives Hoosiers the chance to learn more about protecting and preserving our natural resources while celebrating the splendor of Lake Michigan. Each year Gary hosts its Annual Clean Water Celebration activity in recognition of Lake Michigan Coastal Awareness Month. We encourage the public to get outside and come join us in Celebrating Our Coast on Saturday, June 30, 2012, in the beautiful Marquette Park.
Thursday, June 28 is the Water Quality Networking Reception and Awards Dinner at the Marquette Park Pavilion beginning at 5:30pm. The Honorable Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and EPA Region 5 Administrator Dr. Susan Hedman will be the guest speakers. This event will be a great opportunity to network and hear updates about water quality efforts taking place at the regional and national levels. Tickets are $25. Awards and special recognition will be given to groups and individuals that have demonstrated leadership in water quality efforts. Please contact the Green Urbanism office to reserve your space at 219.882.3000.
Saturday, June 30 Water Quality Partners will “Celebrate Our Coast” at the Clean Water Festival on Saturday, June 30 from 11:00am-4:00pm at Marquette Park with a day of FREE recreational, healthy, and fun activities for kids and adults to enjoy. There will be water quality education programs, free paddle boat rides, rain barrel art demonstration, kayaking, information booths, beach safety, fishing education, refreshments and much more at this event. Everyone can play a role to keep our water clean by taking the Clean Water Pledge. This event is FREE and vendor booth opportunities are available. Please contact outreach and education coordinator, Brenda Scott-Henry for more information bhenry@ci.gary.in.us.
The Clean Water Celebration will also include information and activities supported by the Gary Storm Water Management District’s Storm Water Public Education and Outreach Program, as well as other projects and programs being implemented by local organizations, business, and environmental organizations promoting the protection and preservation of our waterways and natural resources. The purpose of public education and outreach is to provide local residents, businesses and youth with information on the importance of water quality and storm water pollution prevention, and how we can help protect water in our daily lives. Our Water Quality Planning Committee includes: City of Gary Department of Green Urbanism, Parks Department and Mayor’s Organization on Disabilities, Gary Sanitary District, Indiana American Water, L.C. Soil & Water Conservation District, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and NWI Paddling Association.
Coastal Awareness Month allows our community to understand how vitally important it is to keep our waters clean while simultaneously enjoying the outdoors. Green Urbanism Director, Lauren Riga states, “We as individuals and a coastal community need to conserve and protect this valuable resource and diverse habitat. Our Clean Water events give the public the opportunity to broaden their clean water awareness while learning to appreciate nature and understand the importance of water quality for a healthy ecosystem and thriving community.”
The Coastal Awareness Month- Gary Clean Water Celebration is part of the Lake Michigan Coastal Program. This month gives Hoosiers the chance to learn more about the Lake Michigan Coastal Program and celebrate the area's splendor by increasing their awareness of the region's importance. We encourage participants to get outside and explore the Lake Michigan area of Northwest Indiana. Review the CAM calendar of events that will occur in various communities throughout the month at www.in.gov/dnr/lakemich.