Fifty-one teams made up of 296 individual volunteers participated in this year’s annual community cleanup during the last week in March.
Altogether they hauled in nearly 1,000 bags filled with a whopping 11 tons of trash, said a spokesperson for Rockbridge Conservation.
Of the teams who signed on to the effort, the Coastal Canoeists have the longest history of participation – and a vested interest.
As boating enthusiasts who enjoy canoeing and kayaking in Goshen Pass, their members have been cleaning up litter in the Maury River and through the Gorge on Va.
39 for 30 years, helping keep the waters pristine for paddling. This year alone, they collected 27 bags of trash, 10 tires, and a barbeque grill.
The Devils Backbone crew are also seasoned lit ter-picker-uppers.
Over the past decade, they have removed 250 bags of litter, as well as tires and auto body parts. Five years ago, the Devils teamed up with the Canoeists and the two groups have continued to work together during the annual road and river cleanup.
And the Litter Eliminators team claimed the annual Litter Cup for the sixth straight year for collecting the most trash. They removed the equivalent of 141 bags, including tires and other large items. The organizers and sponsors of this year’s effort were Rockbridge Conservation, Rockbridge County, VDOT, Boxerwood, and Walkabout Outfitters.
MEMBERS of the Litter Eliminators do their best to keep the community clean on the way to winning this year’s Litter Cup. Pictured are Jenny Keel, Leslie Lee, Larry Keel and Elizabeth Knapp. Not pictured are team members Chuck Smith, Will Townes and Heather Sanchez.
