NIPSCO, Environmental Groups Plan Michigan City Beach Cleanup

Volunteers encouraged to join in effort to improve shoreline

In partnership with several area environmental and community groups, NIPSCO will take part in the first annual Michigan City Beaches & Blueways Cleanup on Saturday, July 14, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers will work to clean up and beautify the beaches and blueways surrounding the Michigan City Generating Station, located at Wabash Avenue and Water Street, along with other various sites along the shoreline.

The volunteer cleanup day was prompted by a recent survey of the shoreline along Trail Creek and Lake Michigan, which found much debris in need of removal.

Many organizations are partnering in the cleanup effort, including NIPSCO’s Environmental Action Team (NEAT), Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, Shirley Heinze Land Trust, Michigan City Parks Department, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Save the Dunes and Northwest Indiana Steelheaders. Community volunteers are encouraged to attend.

“It is important to keep our beaches and waterways clean, and after the busy holiday week the shoreline is in need of attention,” said Kelly Carmichael, NiSource director of environmental policy. “We are proud to involve our employees and their families and to partner with other organizations taking part in this project.”

For anyone wishing to participate in the cleanup, please register at the Alliance for the Great Lakes site located at www.greatlakesadopt.org or contact Dan Plath at dplath@nwipa.org. Volunteers will convene at Washington Park Beach beginning at 8:30 a.m. on July 14.