Volusia County Hosting Event to Make St. Johns River Cleaner and Safer

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house. The St. Johns River needs help too. Volunteers, including boat owners, are needed for the cleanup, which will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5. 

Planners hope to clean 59 miles of the waterway and river basin with the help of those in the boating community and other volunteers. Scouts, schools and other social groups are encouraged to participate. All ages are welcome to join. 

Participants should bring water and wear sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito spray or lotion, work gloves, and comfortable clothing. They may also bring rakes, shovels, trash grabbers, and canoes or boats.

Volunteers can choose from eight sites:
 

• Nine Mile Point Park, 770 Nine Mile Point Road, Pierson
• Shell Harbor Park, 1800 Shell Harbor Road, Pierson
• DeLeon Springs State Park, 601 Burts Park Road, DeLeon Springs
• Ed Stone Park, 2999 Old New York Ave., DeLand
• Lake Beresford Park, 2100 Fatio Road, DeLand
• Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary
• Lake Monroe Park, 975 S. Charles R. Beall Blvd., DeBary
• Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp, 907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen

Last year, 323 volunteers picked up 4,245 pounds of garbage, including cigarette butts, plastic bottles, cans, Styrofoam cups, and tires.

The annual cleanup, coordinated by Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division, draws attention to the river’s environmental importance and helps to keep the waterway safe and clean for animals and people who enjoy swimming and water sports.

For more information or to register, visit www.volusia.org/cleanup or contact Sondra McCulloch at smcculloch@volusia.org or 386-736-5927, ext. 12074. Preregistered participants will receive their choice of a hat or plush otter.  ReGrow Volusia will provide a free tree to the participants.