Volunteers needed to ‘Clean the Bay’

Published 9:52 pm Thursday, May 31, 2018

More than 100 volunteers across Suffolk will collect litter from its waterways and shorelines this Saturday during the 30th annual “Clean the Bay Day” sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Keep Suffolk Beautiful will organize five different cleanup locations throughout the city from 9 a.m. to noon, with some spots still needing more help than others. High school students can earn community service hours, and each volunteer will receive gloves, grabbers, bags and safety vest, depending on the location.

Parents can bring their children to pick up Lake Meade Park. Boaters can bring their kayaks, canoes and shallow water craft, plus larger boats that can be used as collection points. Watercraft can be launched at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina or Bennett’s Creek Park.

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According to Litter Control Coordinator Wayne Jones, Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina is expected to be well staffed, but the Lake Prince and Western Branch boat ramps could use more volunteers, based on the number of people that have registered as of Wednesday.

“We’re trying to get more people at the boat ramps,” Jones said in a phone interview Wednesday. “That’s where they can be the most productive.”

The locations are Lake Prince Boat Ramp at 4324 Lake Prince Drive, the Western Branch Boat Ramp on Girl Scout Drive, Lake Meade Park across from Holly Lawn Cemetery, Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina behind the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront and Bennett’s Creek Park in North Suffolk.

The cleanup will happen rain or shine, and anyone is welcome to volunteer. Registration is encouraged but not required, and suitable clothing, footwear, snacks and drinks are recommended.

Call 514-7604 for more information.