Over 50 volunteers from the cruise industry showed up at Golden Gardens today, armed to the teeth with all manner of gardening tools to show invasive species some whatfor.

The event, put together by Cruise Lines International Association Inc, was not only for Earth Day and National Volunteer Week, but also to showcase the kind of work cruise lines do in communities every day, according to David Peikin, the public affairs director for CLIA.

"Every day, across the globe, CLIA members make positive contributions to the ports and communities in which they operate," said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. "Today's event provided the cruise industry with the opportunity to support the city of Seattle while also participating in an effort that demonstrates our cruise lines' commitment to environmental stewardship."

Peikin said the cruise industries often sponsor volunteer events, fundraising activities and cleanup projects. A new initiative called "Cruise Forward" highlights the benefits, community partnerships and environmental stewardship of the cruise industry.

"It makes sense for us to do this, you know ... clean oceans and clean beaches and clean environment -- that's what people want to see. It's kind've our duty to protect and preserve," Peiken said.

CLIA was also recognized by Mayor Mike McGinn today for what he proclaimed "Cruise Industry Employee Volunteer Recognition Day." In the proclamation, McGinn recognizes CLIA for the strong ties to the Pacific Northwest region, the economic benefits the cruise lines have provided and the volunteer work they undertook today.

Volunteers removed invasive species such as scotchbroom, Japanese knotweed, blackberry, poisonous hemlock and Canadian thistle.

"You can tell we made a big dent by all the bags," Peiken said.

Photo by Zachariah Bryan

Zachariah Bryan can be reached at zachb@robinsonnews.com

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