Save Our Saluda's Fall River Sweep is Sept. 15

An upcoming Save Our Saluda event gives participants a chance to get outdoors while giving back.

The group's 2012 Fall River Sweep is set for 9:30am until noon on Saturday, Sept. 15.

Those interested in taking part in a clean-up of sections of the Middle Saluda and South Saluda should plan to meet at the parking area  between Echo Trading Post and the  far left side of the gas station at Cleveland at 9:30 am.( Cleveland is approx. 10 miles north of Travelers Rest on Hwy 276 and the parking area will be on the left just before the gas station.) 

Assignments and instructions will be given. 

Bring gloves and wear clothing and shoes/boots to protect you from poison ivy, etc. Bags for trash will be provided.

Participants under age 18 must have a parent/ guardian be in attendance at the event.

Any participants wanting to bring a kayak or canoe must wear a life vest and enter the water at their own risk.

The majority of the trash/ litter is usually  on the riverbanks and  land at the fishing access areas. All participants are required to sign waiver release form.

The Save Our Saluda volunteers will be one of many groups taking part in the 24th annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep, according to Department of Natural Resources officials.

This year's Beach Sweep/River Sweep is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Each year thousands of people volunteer for the Sweep, South Carolina’s largest one-day litter cleanup of beaches, marshes and waterways.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is once again partnering with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium to organize the statewide event, which is held in conjunction with the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

Anyone can participate – individuals, families, schools, youth groups, civic and conservation clubs and businesses.

Volunteers either organize their own cleanups at sites that are not already covered or they may sign up to assist at the cleanup locations listed on the websites below.

Last year over 3,000 dedicated volunteers removed 20 tons of litter from the state’s beaches, marshes and waterways. In the cleanup’s 23-year history, nearly 1,100 tons of litter have been collected, and much of it was recycled.

To participate in coastal counties, contact Susan Ferris Hill at (843) 953-2092 or susan.ferris.hill@scseagrant.org. Forinland counties, contact Bill Marshall at (803) 734-9096 or marshallb@dnr.sc.gov.