Did you happen upon huge piles of unsightly garbage and full to bursting, bright orange trash bags at Albemarle and Fluvanna County boat landings and parks during late October? ...We hope so!
Members and friends of the Society were once more blessed with beautiful conditions and just-floatable water levels for the Annual Rivanna River Cleanup on Saturday, October 20, 2001. Immense quantities of trash and litter were collected and removed from about 30 miles of the river's bed, banks and public access points by the eager force of hardworking volunteers ? both in canoes and on land. This year (again!) we were able to add to our cleanup segments that were previously uncovered.
We wish to show our deep thanks to the more than 100 folks without whom this great effort would only be a pipe dream. RCS depends solely upon those who choose to donate their time, energy and personal commitment to this continuing achievement. Speaking on behalf of the Rivanna, we are enthusiastically appreciative of your hard work, great attitude and personal motivation!
A land-based group of citizens were victorious in removing much trash and several large items -- including a water heater, a stove and a 50-gallon drum -- from areas well upstream of Darden Towe Park. The section from the VFW Hall on River Rd to Holmes Ave was a recent addition in our ever-expanding effort to reduce the trash buildup in the Rivanna River basin. Thanks to all those who rallied round this new endeavor.
Smaller items included plastic grocery bags, athletic balls, styrofoam cups and coolers, automobile fluid and oil containers, glass beverage bottles, aluminum cans, and baitworm containers (!). Bulkier items removed by the tireless force consisted of home appliances, random and unidentifiable hunks of metal, and, of course, tires galore! ...makes you wonder, don't it?
A group of dedicated Albemarle County Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers, utilizing several nylon towlines and a little '4-wheel-drive resourcefulness', were able to eliminate a cumbersome, silt-filled newspaper machine from the Buck Island Creek-Rivanna River confluence. The piece of equipment had been cautiously floated downstream by canoe during a previous cleanup project but was abandoned due to its massive weight. No longer will this former eyesore serve to detract from this historical landmark's beauty and significance for visiting canoeists and river enthusiasts.
The post-cleanup party, organized by Becky Calvert, was a fun celebration for all who attended. Entertainment, pizza, drinks and cake, completely contributed by VMDO Architects in Charlottesville, were provided in the VFW Post #1827 dining hall. The VFW's continued generosity in again providing an accommodating party spot is graciously commended. Thanks to the determined talent search efforts of Joe Mead, first-rate entertainment in the form of old-time, bluegrass and country music was provided through Pete and Ellen Vigour and accompaniment.
We also extend our appreciation to these other collaborators: Fluvanna County Parks & Recreation Department for donating use of their van, trailer and canoes; James River Reeling and Rafting for providing trailers and canoes for volunteers; Papa John's and Domino's Pizza for those hot pies at the party; Whole Foods Market for donating tangerines, apples and other foods for volunteers; Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, New Dominion Bookshop, Spencer's 206, and Jefferson Theater for each contributing prizes awarded to lucky volunteers at the party; and Virginia Department of Transportation, City of Charlottesville Parks Division, and Albemarle County Parks & Recreation Department for hauling away all collected trash. Please patronize and express thanks to these agencies and businesses for their deeds and works.
This yearly endeavor serves not only to remove tangible waste from this largely intact water resource, but acts also to introduce our watershed community (you) to RCS's namesake - the Rivanna. Our river is indeed a great narrator -- unsurpassed in ability to openly convey her own beauty, significance and value. The cleanup is one of many ways that RCS works to personally familiarize the public with this most remarkable communicator. Experience the Rivanna for yourself...and often. The river's abounding stories never grow old.
Photographs of the event are posted on the RCS website -- thanks to our webmaster and IT guru, Stowe Keller. If you or your group would like to join this effort through sponsorship of a portion of the Rivanna watershed next year, then contact RCS via email or phone.