Annual River Clean-Up

Forthcoming Fall Fulfillment: Taking Out the Trash
by Pat Calvert

Every autumn, discarded trash becomes evidenced by the river's falling water level. And in reply our beloved citizen-based organization moves to extract uninviting debris from tens of river miles of the Rivanna's main stem. The level of grassroots interest and participation exceeds that of any event that RCS conducts throughout the year - with real and measurable results. And for those untiring souls, this is a fun, active and rewarding endeavor. Last year, due to several community requests, RCS extended the coverage region to help clean both Rivanna and tributary sections that had not yet been reached during previous efforts. It got us to thinking...

As a result of last year's widely successful expansion, RCS challenges our Fluvanna, Albemarle and Charlottesville readers to continue in this spirit of growth. From the headwaters of the Moormans River in the Blue Ridge to the mouth of the Rivanna at Columbia...from Ragged Mountain Reservoir to Lake Monticello...from Earlysville to Palmyra...from rural Doyles River to urban Meadow Creek...we ask that you sponsor a small-scale, localized stream cleanup - to help spruce up your own backyard creek or stream, a local park tributary, to pretty-up an unkempt neighborhood drain, or to "de-nastify" a cluttered trailside trench - on any one of Rivanna's extensive branches that may serve as the inopportune recipient of our refuse. Your own chosen section need not be lengthy or remote. Now - envision that same ditch or creek as a restored symbol of local pride, recreation and health. Any size of stream will help to make a difference. Only a couple of friends or neighbors can make significant impact with merely a couple of hours of collaboration and some trash bags. And kids, who will love to be involved, can realize the value of making a difference in protecting our irreplaceable natural resource. So let's extend this network. Please call on your best friends, favorite civic organization, school, club, co-workers, neighborhood association, and scout troop today to help get the ball rolling.

And as in past years, RCS will coordinate volunteers in trash removal efforts both by canoe and on foot. VDOT and local government agencies are committed to the cause through collecting bagged trash at designated pickup locations. All tributary clean-ups will be conducted in coordination with, and as an integral part of, the Annual Rivanna River Cleanup. Contact RCS today to reserve your spot in this rewarding yearly function. This is a magnificent way to experience and celebrate the Rivanna and its creeks and streams while simultaneously restoring a river to greatness!

An evening party to celebrate our success will follow the day's activities. Contact RCS now to register as a local cleanup sponsor for your own chosen stream OR to float/walk a portion of the river. Providing your own canoe will help us out with placing folks in boats, but is not mandatory. We will work with you to help identify a safe and accessible cleanup site that will accommodate you or your group. Please call (434) 977-4837 (97-RIVER) or email us (inquiry@rivannariver.org) to find out how you can help. It's time to take out the trash.