Friends of the Occoquan's Spring River Cleanup on April 15, 2023
Honoring upcoming Earth Day, FOTO organized a massive river cleanup across seven parks/marinas along the Occoquan. 262+ volunteers spent a muggy Saturday morning collecting debris from the Occoquan River/Reservoir and its banks. From the Bull Run, Fountainhead, and Occoquan Regional Park/Marina, in Fairfax County, to the Town of Occoquan, Lake Ridge Park/Marina, Occoquan Forest Community, and Brethren of the Harbour Yacht Club in Prince William County.
Glenn Richman, with his truck, picked up trash and brought it to the collection site. Nova GO kayakers, SEV1Tech employees, the Bull Run Rotary Club with the Manassas Osbourne High School Interact Club, Fairfax County Water employees, American Water employees, Starbucks employees, Capitol Company employees, Woodbridge Sr. High school JROTC cadets and their leaders, Boy Scout Troop 1369, and Troop 1390, Girl Scout Troop 18024, Cub Scout Pack 1365, Trail Life Troop VA0613, American Heritage Girls VA0104, Cub Scout Pack 1373, and Woodbridge Sr. High School Science Honor Society students, and several church groups worked hard in muggy weather. Many individuals caring about the environment, including parents with their children, joined the teams.
Devoted River Heroes scoured the river banks and trails, working tirelessly to fill 185 bags of trash and 22 recyclables collectively. Among the heavier items collected were 8 tires, 2 rusted barrels, 2 trash cans, 4 lids, 2 large pipes, 6 paint buckets, several wooden deck boards, a wheel barrel, car wheels, and a car bumper, 10 large Styrofoam pieces, a cooler, 4 bags of soccer and tennis balls, an artificial Christmas tree, constructions materials, boards with rusted nails, and tools were pulled from the river, including one dead rat.
The success of this event is a testament to our community's dedication to the environment by coming together to save and protect the source of our drinking water, the beautiful Occoquan River.
FOTO would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers, including the station workers, the park managers and staff, and our sponsors.
PICTURES COMING SOON!
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