Town Organizes Environmental Day at the Beach

The Town of Narragansett and the Rhode Island Rivers Council will host the Annual Environmental Awareness Day at the Narragansett Town Beach this Saturday. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the south end of the town beach. The purpose of the event is to offer information and fun activities to promote an awareness of Rhode Island’s natural resources and environmental organizations.

Participating organizations will have informational materials available for the public, and many will offer activities for adults and children. The Rhode Island Rivers Council, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Narrow River Preservation Association, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, the Kickemuit Watershed Council, the URI Energy Office and Energy Fellows and the URI Outreach Center will be participating in this year’s event. Activities will include a salt water tank with marine life and an interactive watershed model.

The environmental day is one of several new programs offered by the town this summer with an environmental theme. In August the town will host a Green Drinks event at the North Beach Clubhouse. Green Drinks in a worldwide network of environmental professionals and citizens with an interest in the environment who meet informally to discuss current issues.

In addition, the Narragansett Parks and Recreation Department will have several demonstration activities as part of the Waterman Eco-Challenge 2011. The activities include a 3-mile ocean paddle race, exciting professional rescue clinics, patron Stand Up Paddle clinics and patron interactive ocean and sun safety clinics. Big Wave Surfing World Champion Garrett McNamara along with lifeguards from Hawaii's famed North Shore will team with Narragansett Surf Rescue to raise awareness about ocean and sun safety.

“This is a great opportunity for Rhode Islanders to learn about the environment and about the important work of organizations that help protect and conserve our natural resources,” Narragansett Town Manager Grady Miller said. “Beachgoers will also have fun watching and participating in a number of activities designed to promote ocean and sun safety.”

About 10,000 people from throughout Rhode Island and neighboring states visit Narragansett Beach on a typical summer Saturday. Residents and visitors are always keen to participate in the activities offered at the beach. Narragansett Beach is also one of the most popular beach in New England, known for its long expanse and rolling surf, and is a favorite spot for surfing competitions. The beach is operated by the Town of Narragansett, but season passes are sold to non-residents and anyone may use the beach for a daily fee.

The Environmental Day at the Beach will be free to those who have a town beach pass or have paid admission to the Narragansett Town Beach. For additional information please contact Miller at (401) 782-0654.

Release courtesy of the Town of Narragansett.