Another Big "Big Sweep"

 

Another outstanding group of PTRF volunteers and concerned citizens hit the banks and the river's byways to collect a handsome stockpile of flotsam and jetsam. A group departed from the Town Commons in Greenville and simultaneously a group launched from the Havens Gardens' boat ramp in Washington, NC. This resulted in over a ton of rubbish consisting of tires, appliances, grills, shopping carts and the usual plastic, glass, and Styrofoam items. It appeared to be the year of the shopping cart with discarded carts being found in both locations. Loading the carts was a challenge as the picture below demonstrates (photos by A. Langrish).

The Big Sweep in Washington, NC was a family affair for Rick Zablocki, PTRF board member and vice president, and his family. Three generations were present and made major contributions to the events success. Along with PTRF staff, board members, and members, the Cypress Group of the Sierra Club, Girl Scout troop 74, Boy Scout troop 9, and ECU students joined in. Special thanks to the Pitt County Recycling and Washington Public Works for their assistance.

Since May of 2006, PTRF has organized two cleanups each year and has removed more than 7,500 pounds of trash from the Tar-Pamlico River.