On February 11, 2007 Stein Kretsinger and Robert Weinman embarked on a 1,600-mile walk/kayak journey that will cover the entire seashore from Miami, FL to New York, NY. The purpose of the expedition is to support environmental education and Waterkeeper Alliance, a national coalition that connects and supports local Waterkeeper programs to provide a voice for waterways and their communities worldwide.

Indian Riverkeeper Kevin Stinnette (center) hosted a beach cleanup/cookout for the beach walk project. To his left is Stein Kretsinger, and to his right is Robert Weinman.

The route will take Kretsinger and Weinman along the world’s longest barrier island chain, marked by beaches, swamps, estuaries and wetlands. Along the way, they will be meeting with waterkeepers, leaders and educators in coastal communities. They are also raising money and awareness for Waterkeeper Alliance, which is a grassroots advocacy organization with 155 local clean water advocates that patrol and protect the public’s right to clean water. They will also use the expedition to promote healthy water and wind-based activities to children including: fishing, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, kite-boarding and sailing. And, they want to encourage children and community members to become involved with local agencies and programs and promote the responsible stewardship of watersheds in their area.

By Saturday, February 24, the pair had reached Jensen Beach, Florida, where they were welcomed by the Indian Riverkeeper Kevin Stinnette and members, as well as volunteers and officials from the Surfrider Foundation and One Wild World.

“What a stop,” said Kretsinger. “We’re saddened to learn about all the damage to the area’s estuaries and beaches, but we’re encouraged by the intense commitment to rectify the problems.” Follow their exploits by visiting www.beachwalkproject.com.