New Orleans, LA March 15, 2021: Groundwork New Orleans announces its EPA Gulf Of Mexico Trash Free Waters Initiative. Over the next year, Groundwork will collaborate with Water Wise Gulf South, Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association, Greater Treme Consortium, Healthy Community Services, Hollygrove-Dixon, and Idlewood-Parkwood neighborhood Association.

“We are excited to partner with these community organizations to help clean and mark storm drains in an effort to reduce the amount of trash flowing into Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf of Mexico while keeping our storm drains clear ahead of Hurricane Season,” said Todd Reynolds, Executive Director, Groundwork New Orleans.

The “kick-off” event will occur, Monday, March 29, 2021 at 9:00 am, at 816 N. Robertson St, New Orleans, LA. While this event is specifically targeting the neighborhoods of Treme, 7th Ward, Upper 9th Ward, New Orleans East and Hollygrove, the residents of other neighborhoods and individuals are encouraged to contact Groundwork New Orleans to set up storm drain cleanings in their community.

Community members can also get involved by participating with the City of New Orleans “Adopt A Storm Drain” program. Individuals and organizations can sign-up at the kick-off for the “Adopt A Drain” program and get information regarding Hurricane Preparedness.

Jeff Supak, Outreach Manager Water Wise Gulf South said, “this is a great time for residents to understand how cleaning a storm drain helps to reduce street flooding during intense rain events.

Our first mass clean-up will occur April 17, 2021 10:00 am – noon, (followed by a celebration at 823 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans). Anyone interested in volunteering may contact (504.475.7749). Students needing community service hours will be offered that benefit at 2:1 hour of participation. “Don’t Let Dat Trash Get Bayou.”

Media Inquiries

Todd Reynolds

todd@groundworknola.org

504.256.1336