The Glen Cove Beautification Commission is soliciting an all out volunteer effort to assist the City of Glen Cove with the ongoing Mill Pond/Glen Cove Creek Constructed Wetlands Project on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20. The effort will begin at 8 a.m. Volunteers are needed to prune vegetation, clear debris, coordinate workers, and with general all around help. Not all work will be physical. "In addition, the city is seeking the assistance of local landscapers and tree arborists to donate their services to assist with tree pruning and chipping, etc.," said Mayor Thomas R. Suozzi. "I am pleased to see the cooperation of state agencies and Glen Cove citizens working together to clean up and restore the Mill Pond to create a storm water treatment system that when complete will protect Glen Cove Creek and Hempstead Harbor. This project will restore the Mill Pond in harmony with the natural environment," he added.

"The focus of the two day project will be the preliminary clearing of the site," said Beautification Executive Director Richard Creede. "We must begin our commitment to this project immediately, so contractors can begin on schedule," he added. The contractors will restore the area to an open water pond with marsh areas at the northern end, including excavating pond sediment and grading the pond and embankment, installation of plants and seeded areas. The newly constructed wetlands will include a vegetated island to save multiple tree species and provide a habitat for wildlife while enhancing the pond's aesthetics.

Through the tireless efforts of Mayor Thomas R. Suozzi and the Glen Cove Community Development Agency, the City of Glen Cove has received funding through grants from New York State Department of Transportation's Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Enhancement Program and New York State's 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.

"The Beautification Commission's concern for preserving Glen Cove's natural beauty and its environment has prompted the commission to join forces with the Glen Cove Department of Public Works to begin improvements to Mill Pond," stated Ian R. Siegel, chairman. "We need a tremendous amount of support to help plan and implement this project," he added. Anyone interested in volunteering for this worthwhile project, please call Rich Creede at 676-5188.