It’s springtime again and that means it’s time for the annual Tuckaseigee River Cleanup. This year will mark the 17th year that volunteers from both the university and community have come together to clean-up one of our natural resources.
This year the cleanup will be held on April 21, and it will cover a 22-mile section of the “Mighty Tuck” from East Laporte to Barker’s Creek.
The Tuckaseigee River Cleanup is a great service project for both students and community organizations.
Taylor Bennett, a student organizer for the event, said “[the cleanup] is a well oiled machine with community involvement,” He added, “It’s a great day on the river and a great way to give back.”
The cleanup is a large undertaking that requires a large number of volunteers. According to Bennett, last year 600-plus volunteers came out to help clean up the Tuckaseigee.
Bennett said, “It’s a good thing to see so many people giving back.”
Equipment and supplies like rafts, life jackets, paddles, and trash bags will be provided for all participants. In addition, volunteers have the option to either clean up from the bank or from a raft. However, it is advised that volunteers wear old clothing and bring gloves to protect their hands.
The clean-up usually lasts from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. After the cleanup, volunteers are invited to enjoy a cookout free of charge. The cookout will be held at the WCU picnic area on Cullowhee Creek. There will be drawings for a variety of door prizes, including a mountain bike, that were donated by local merchants.
A cash prize of $100 dollars will also be awarded for the campus and community organization that have the most people participating.
If you have any questions about the Tuckaseigee River Cleanup you can call Last Minute Productions at 227-7206.
