SWPMN INTERNATIONAL COASTAL/VIRGINAL WATERWAYS CLEANUP OF J. FRANK WILSON PARK MARTINSVILLE VIRGINIA 9/17/2022 

 

This year our chapter again participated in the annual International Waterways Cleanup. You may not be familiar with the project or wonder why our chapter participates since we are not a coastal city. Following is a brief synopsis of the event and our purpose. 

 

International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is an annual event sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy organization. It engages volunteers from around the world to remove trash from beaches and coastal waterways. For more information on the organization, why and how it operates, visit www.oceanconservancy.org. Although Martinsville is not located directly on the coastline, our environmental trash pollutes streams and rivers which eventually flow into the ocean. Originating in Wilson Park, the spring empties into the western branch of Mulberry Creek which flows into the Smith River. The Smith River flows into the Dan River which flows into Buggs Island Lake (aka John H. Kerr Reservoir). From there water flows into the Roanoke River onto the Albemarle Sound which connects to the Atlantic Ocean. So, you see our headwaters is crucial to the health of the ocean including its beaches and marine life. Thanks to all who participated in this beneficial event. Approximately 1230 items were collected amounting to a weight of 94.6 pounds. About 6 total miles of territory was covered for 6 groups of people covering the entire circuits of the park totaling 15.5 of volunteer manhours. After the cleanup the group enjoyed a potluck picnic featuring barbequed Virginia oysters.

   

       

 

Participants left to right: Reginia Flora, Bob Becker, Kamara Nelson, Patty May, Noel Boaz, Ivan Hiett, Janet Nelson, Gael Chaney, Paul May, Dennis Reeves.