Whether they grabbed bags, gloves and vests, or paddled their way around the May River to gather trash, hundreds of people spent time helping keep Bluffton clean Sept. 19 during the 37th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in the 37th Annual Beach Sweep/ River Sweep!” a Town of Bluffton spokesperson said following the event. “We appreciate the community members, town employees, and local partners who helped make this event possible.”
The Town of Bluffton partnered with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), inviting residents, families, businesses, paddlers and community organizations to participate in the event. It was held at Oyster Factory Park,
63 Wharf St., in Bluffton.
Members of the Bluffton Paddle Club assisted with water-based cleanup efforts.
“The Beach Sweep/River Sweep is South Carolina’s largest one-day volunteer waterway cleanup event,” the town’s spokesperson said. “Each year on the third Saturday in September, thousands of South Carolinians remove litter and debris from beaches, rivers, lakes and marshes. The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium leads coastal cleanup efforts, while SCDNR leads inland cleanups.”
The sweep, the spokesperson said, takes place in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup, coordinated by the Ocean Conservancy.
The Town of Bluffton and its sponsors provided all cleanup supplies, coffee and snacks.
Once the event was completed, participants were able to stay for a provided lunch. Town of Bluffton Growth Management Director Kevin Icard and Bluffton Police Department officers grilled and serve hamburgers and hot dogs to participants.
The Town of Bluffton has participated in the event which helps clean up along the May River for the past 18 years.
“The May River is the centerpiece of Bluffton, and these cleanups show how much this community cares about it,” Town of Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer previously said. “Twice a year, our neighbors come together for a common purpose — to take care of the river that has shaped Bluffton’s history, character and way of life. It’s more than a cleanup; it’s a community tradition and our way of thanking the river for all she brings to Bluffton.”
Other partners for this year’s event included PalmettoPride, i2Recycle, Beaufort County Government SC, Corner Perk, The Outside Foundation, The Dolphin Project, Port Royal Sound Foundation, American Rivers, Rotary Club of Bluffton SC, Bluffton Paddle Club, Beaufort Memorial, Palmetto Running Co., Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island and Hilton Head Island Rotary Lowcountry Environmental Club.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Bluffton hosts annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep
