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Helpers sought to pick
up trash from river
Published April 27,
2007
The big things are out of
the way, and it’s time to work.
Friends of the River San Bernard is inviting
volunteers to its annual spring cleanup from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Those wishing to
help are asked to bring boats if they have
them, bug spray, sunscreen, gloves and
enthusiasm, event founder David Pope said.
More than 7,000 pounds of heavy debris —
including boats, storage tanks and
appliances — were removed from the river
last weekend. The cleanup began two years
ago when Pope and some friends became fed up
with all the trash in the river. Since then,
more than 42,000 pounds of trash has been
pulled from the San Bernard and its
tributaries.
“It was getting really bad,” he said. “We
did as much as we could and saw there was a
lot left and did it again last year with
great results. So we’re going back this year
to do as much or even more.”
So far, more than 100 people have committed
to help collect trash Saturday. Plastic
bags, drink cans, styrofoam containers and
other refuse are the target, and the more
folks attending, the more trash can be
removed, Pope said.
“We want to clean San Bernard of the
household trash that litters it,” he said.
“This stuff isn’t biodegradable and is hard
on the environment, and we need to get it
out of the river. It’s man-made stuff and it
doesn’t belong there.
“People can work for any amount of time they
wish. If it’s an hour or all day long, we
appreciate their help.”
Volunteers may meet at one of five sites
Saturday morning — Hanson Riverside County
Park on Highway 35, the public boat ramps at
FM 521, FM 2611 and the end of FM 2918, and
2J’s Cafe and Marina off FM 2918. Volunteers
sign a release form, receive a “Clean Team”
T-shirt and trash bags. Water will be
provided.
An appreciation dinner will follow from 4 to
6 p.m. at the Taylors’ home, 2909 CR 604.
Volunteer Jan Edwards, one of the founders
of Friends of the River, hopes a large crowd
shows up to help.
“Everybody is a river steward, and anyone
can help — little kids to adults,” she said.
“The river is part of all of us, not just
those who live there. If we don’t take care
of it, no one will.”
For information or to sign up, call Pope at
(979) 798-6251 or go to
www.sanbernardriver.com.
John Lowman is a reporter for The Facts.
Contact him at (979)237-0151.
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RIVER CLEANUP
Cleanup: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; dinner
follows
Where to meet: Hanson Riverside Park on
Highway 35; public boat ramps at FM 521, FM
2611 and the end of FM 2918; 2J’s Café off
FM 2918.
Information: David Pope, (979) 798-6251;
visit sanbernardriver.com.
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