Volunteers remove 1,300 pounds of trash during Earth Month

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear River Watch says more than 1,300 pounds of trash and recyclables were removed from local waterways during a series of Earth Month cleanups.

The organization coordinated eight cleanup events from Wilmington to Burgaw, with more than 180 volunteers participating. Groups involved included Keep New Hanover Beautiful, Pender County Parks and Recreation, community members from Riverlights and Grand Bay, and students from UNCW Health Equity Bonner Fellowship.

Organizers say the effort helped remove debris from creeks, wetlands and tributaries before it could reach the Cape Fear River.

Cleanup efforts will continue this month as part of an ongoing initiative held on the second Saturday of each month.

The next event is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, and will focus on the Smith Creek watershed. Volunteers will meet at the intersection of Princess Place Drive and Evans Street in Wilmington.

If you would like to volunteer, click here.