Volunteers Needed to Rid Waterways of Rubbish

Fairfax County's creeks and streams are part of the Potomac River Watershed, a broad network of waterways which eventually flow into Chesapeake Bay. Many of these aquatic arteries have become clogged with litter and illegally dumped trash.

On a bi-annual basis since 1990, the Fairfax County Park Authority has organized crews of intrepid volunteers to remove debris from waterways which traverse parkland. Be part of the solution to pollution this spring and participate in the Park Authority's Potomac Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, March 29, 2008. From 9 to 11:30 a.m., individuals, students, families, scouts and other community groups will roll up their sleeves and remove tires, bed springs, bottles, cans and other debris from their local creeks and streams.

The Park Authority's seven sites are registered with the Alice Ferguson Foundation, the sponsoring organization for this cleanup effort that runs from March 22nd to April 5th. Data gathered about the types of debris found in the parks will be shared with the foundation.

Choose a park site from the list below and call to reserve your section of the watershed today. Participants are advised to wear boots, old clothes and to bring gloves. Trash bags and appreciation will be provided. This is a great way to help keep your community's parks clean while also contributing to a larger stewardship effort.

WATERSHED CLEAN-UP SITES

Frying Pan Farm Park (Horsepen Run)

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 703-941-1065 (Roundtree Park - Holmes Run)

Hidden Pond Nature Center 703-451-9588 (Pohick Creek)

Huntley Meadows Park, 703-768-2525 (Little Hunting Creek)

Riverbend Visitor Center, 703-759-9018 (Potomac River)

Sully Historic Site, 703-437-1794 (Cain's Branch)

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, 703-631-0013, repeated 1-3pm (Flatlick Branch, Big Rocky Run, Cub Run and Frog Branch)