VOLUNTEERING FOR ONE OF EARTH'S GREATEST RESOURCES
World Water Monitoring Day at Cabrillo Aquarium and Ken Malloy Park


Los Angeles - Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro and Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park in Harbor City - two City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facilities - will participate in the 8th annual World Water Monitoring Day on Saturday, September 26, 2009, from 10 am to noon.

Samples will be collected from the beach, a salt marsh, and lake and information will be given on how people can conserve and prevent pollution of this essential natural resource. No experience is necessary for this event that is open to anyone who wants to volunteer, although children age 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Hats and comfortable shoes for walking on sand or similar surfaces are recommended.

Coordinated by the Water Environment Federation and the International Water Association, the program is designed to build public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by encouraging communities to monitor the condition of local rivers, streams, estuaries and other water bodies between March 22 and December 31.

In addition to the Department of Recreation and Parks facilities, Huntington Beach, Compton Creek and Arroyo Seco in Pasedena will be involved. The results will be added to an international database at www.worldwatermonitoringday.org.

Participating organizations include Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the Southern California Marine Institute, TreePeople, the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council, Heal the Bay, El Nido Family Center, the Clean Water Team (part of the California State Water Control Board), Arroyo Seco Foundation, Santa Monica Baykeeper and DIVERS.

For more information on World Water Monitoring Day or to make group reservations at Cabrillo Aquarium call (310) 548-7562. Cabrillo Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro 90731. To inquire about the activities at Ken Malloy Park call (310) 548-7728. Ken Malloy Park is located at 25820 Vermont Avenue, Harbor City 90710.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696