Good Neighbors Clean Historic Suwannee

Way down upon the lower Suwannee, there`s nearly 5,000 pounds less debris thanks to the efforts of nearly 90 volunteers that gathered along the banks December 4. The sun shone on the river and temperature was perfect. Otters and gators swimming along the grasses were a big plus.

Volunteer Jim Hess posts signs directing the work crew to the site.

The last 20 miles of the historic river cut through the 53,000 acre Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Manager John Kasbohm committed three of the Refuge boats and staff to operate them for the 4-hour clean-up sponsored locally by the Friends of the Lower Suwannee NWR. From Camp Azalea through the Refuge and down to the Gulf friends and neighbors gave-back to the river that brings so much to our communities.

The Great Suwannee River Clean-up continued over four months from its source, the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia to the mouth of the river. After preparation and coordination by director of non-profit Current Problems, Fritzi Olson says, "It`s taken many hours of planning, hundreds of miles covered, and so many selfless volunteers to make this the success we`ll all benefit from. I`m very pleased!"

Nearly 30 members of the University of Florida`s Wetlands Club woke early and drove over to Camp Azalea and Fowler`s Bluff to help locals reclaim the pristine quality of the Suwannee. Chiefland High School student and former Youth Conservation Corps member Vance Renaud assisted from his boat at the mouth of the river near Suwannee town.

"We had a wonderful time on the clean up! Not many people ever slosh thru the mud and tangles on the shore; they just pass by in their boats," reported Robert Leffew of Fowler`s Bluff. He brought several friends who hadn`t seen the Suwannee beforehand to help with the clean-up.

At the end of the day, this dumpster was full to overflowing with debris from the river.

For those of us who live and play along the River, we thank everyone who gathered on its banks in order to retain the health and beauty of the magnificent waterway. In the end, we all benefit with healthier fisheries, water quality, and wildlife.