Inaugural Creek Sweep Cleaning Up the Waterways in Beaufort
In a refreshing change of pace, twenty kind-hearted volunteers in Beaufort took to the waters of Battery Creek and Beaufort River in an effort to deal with the mounting issue of litter in the remote marsh and feeder creeks. Armed with 15 kayaks, they began their journey on a quiet Sunday morning, June 23.
Due to the fragile estuarial landscape and the remoteness of the polluted areas, conventional cleanup methods proved ineffective. This spurred a radical approach to tackle the problem – the Inaugural Creek Sweep event. Steering shallow drafting boats, these brave volunteers ventured into areas that were hitherto inaccessible and proceeded to clean the waterways without disturbing the pristine ecological balance.
A Unique Approach to Battling Litter
Ashton Cradit, one of the volunteers, expressed the need for addressing the pollution in the water. “We have been picking up litter by foot for three years,” she mentioned. However, the need to have a broader and more complete approach to trash removal led to this water-based endeavor.
Preparation for the event took a substantial amount of time, as recounted by Ashton, with about “a year and-a-half to get everything worked out”. This creative cleanup strategy was brought to life in collaboration with Coastal Experience Tours, a local organization known for its specialization in kayak tours.
A Day of Volunteerism and Environmental Stewardship
Enthusiasm for the cause wasn’t reserved for experienced volunteers or seasoned kayakers alone. Individuals from various walks of life, including youngsters like Phillip Ramirez who attended the event with his mother, Carmela, gave their time and energy to the cause. Despite his self-confessed lack of experience- having kayaked just once previously- Phillip was eager to contribute.
The volunteers were equipped with gripping devices, orange plastic trash bags, life jackets, and rubber gloves. Those without their own kayaks were provided with one, along with a paddle. To ensure safety and effectiveness, volunteers rowed together, carefully investigating each marsh and feeder creek. This meticulous procedure ensured that no trash was missed, and that surrounding habitat remained undisturbed.
A Successful Completion
By mid-morning, all the feeders from Fort Frederick to the observation tower at the end of the boardwalk were free from litter. Victorious, the volunteers returned to base with a buoyant sense of fulfillment. Their smiles reflected not just the success of their mission, but also the growth of a community working towards preserving their environment.
The Inaugural Creek Sweep was a testament to the power of collective effort and innovative solutions in maintaining our environment. With further initiatives like this, we can look forward to a cleaner, healthier environment in Beaufort and beyond.
