Great Suwannee River Clean-up: the Last Twenty Miles

The Great Suwannee River Clean-up, initiated and coordinated by Current Problems` Executive Director Fritzi Olson is nearing the end of the historic river, and the 2011 clean-up. The last 20 miles will be tackled by the Lower Suwannee NWR, the Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges, and all the volunteers they can muster.

This year as last, local boat owners from Camp Azalea and Fowlers Bluff, Refuge boats and volunteer-conservationists will partner in order to rid the Suwannee of debris along the shoreline, barrels buried underwater in the muck, car parts stuck between tree roots, more glass than ever should be in a river, and much more.

Chiefland High School AP Science class led by teacher Lita Weingart, was the first group to volunteer to make a difference in the river`s health this year. Weingart`s class visits the Lower Suwannee NWR annually for real world learning. This December 3rd, they`ll be doing real river cleaning and will stand as environmental heroes in their community

Many of last year`s volunteers traveled from the University of Florida. Joining UF`s Wetlands Club this year, will be the UF School of Natural Resources. All of these collegiate volunteers hope to dedicate their lives to conservation, so it`s no surprise that they contacted the Refuge asking to assist. The Refuge Friends will document and estimate weight of the debris collected, so that final data can be turned over to Current Problems.

On Saturday, December 3, from 9AM - 1 PM, the Friends of the Lower Suwannee &Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges, Refuge staff and volunteers will gather for the assault on garbage at staging areas at Camp Azalea`s landing, Fowler`s Bluff, and Suwannee town. If you`d like to join in this community effort, call the Refuge at 352/493-0238.