Keep Suffolk Beautiful is taking part in the third annual International Coastal Cleanup organized by Ocean Conservancy, and will hold a Nansemond River Cleanup as part of this initiative this Saturday.

This initiative is designed to raise awareness and reduce ocean marine debris, and is coordinated locally through Clean Virginia Waterways, which is based at Longwood University in Farmville, according to a city press release.

The Nansemond River Cleanup will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina, 100 E. Constance Road. Registration is not required. Volunteers will meet by the river next to the kayak launch to sign in and receive equipment that morning.

All cleanup equipment will be provided, but it’s recommended that participants wear suitable clothing and footwear, and also that they bring snacks.

“We are hoping the canoers, kayakers and small boat folks will come out and help us once again clean up the river that flows through the heart of our downtown,” Suffolk Litter Control Coordinator Wayne Jones stated in the press release. “In the past, we have had a great turnout and it is amazing how much debris and litter pollution are removed from the wetlands and surrounding areas.

“If you don’t have a water craft, you are still very welcome, as we need an army of volunteers on land to help support the effort.”

Contact Suffolk Litter Control at 514-7604 or littercontrol@suffolkva.us for more information.