By Starr Munro
Riverbend News
Dozens of local residents of all ages came together on Saturday, Oct. 3, to share a common belief and goal. The belief being that human beings sometimes have to show their love in order to ensure that they aren't taking the things they love for granted, and a goal of spending a beautiful day cleaning up the Suwannee River.
Organized and executed by Mia Mauldin, the Hamilton County Tourist Development Council Director and Jonathan Law, the Hamilton County Veterans Service Officer, both succeeded in inspiring 46 volunteers into action that resulted in the collection of 226 pounds of trash as well as being able to secure the welfare of all participants by having multiple safety officers present.
The clean-up began bright and early at 9 a.m., at the White Springs boat ramp off Highway 41 and they spent four hours traveling six miles downriver to the Blue Sink kayak launching area off of County Road 135, after a safety briefing. Some involved brought their own vessels but anyone who didn't have one to use was graciously supplied with one of the 10 canoes that American Canoe Adventures donated for the cause.
This event also served as an opportunity for the staff at Oak Grove Academy to bring close to 10 young men to participate in a venture that aides in various skill building that can help younger citizens gain respect and admiration for team work. Oak Grove is a residential program for boys who need a little extra guidance and care, and they were a very helpful and respectful group of young people.
With Mauldin, Law and safety officers Richie McCoy and Robbie Lynn Roberson paddling up and down the river to check up on the volunteers, the event was an absolutely exemplary day of wholesome collaboration that resulted in the beloved Suwannee River being hundreds of pounds lighter of man-made debris that has no business being there in the first place. The waterbirds, turtles, fish and alligators cannot thank them, but others can show their appreciation for causes like this by attending the one next summer.
After the clean-up and shuttles back to their vehicles, a ceremony, with items from the events sponsors were enjoyed by all, with YETI cups, koozies, water bottles, hats, T-shirts, fishing poles, flying rods and grab bags for the youth involved. The grab bags that included river maps, whistles, stickers, hats and local hiking guides to encourage more outdoor involvement from younger generations.
The organization Current Problems out of Gainesville donated grabbing utensils, garbage bags, gloves, buckets and data sheets to ensure that the group was as efficient as they could be out on the river. Current Problems' mission is to preserve and protect North Florida's water resources for people and wildlife, showcasing yet again what power those who come together for a common goal can achieve. Suwannee River Water Management's Edwin McCook provided the volunteers with waterproof kayaking and hiking maps for the event that they were also given to keep. Other volunteer safety officers included Annie Pinello and Brittney Billingsly. Sponsors involved apart from American Canoe Adventures consisted of Roosters Outfitters, Real Florida Hunting and Fishing, Dirty Work LLC, J & J Services and Pump Repair, Wanglers Live, Old 18 Outfitters, Nauti Bonez, Diesel Baits, Dicks Realty, Alexis Woods, Current Problems, Arts by Ami and Bristles and Boards. Two individuals from the organization “Trail Trash” who coordinate their own clean-ups, made a point to commend the group for being ran as smoothly as possible.
Be sure to stay tuned for next summers clean-up. It will be taking place on an area of the river in Hamilton County but organizers would love to have volunteers from Columbia and Suwannee counties to come join them as they again bring the community together for the sake of future generations having safe access to the river as well as the wildlife that lives there.