Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway to Hold 10th Annual River Sweep April 24

From the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway:

River Sweep, Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway’s annual volunteer shoreline clean-up in honor of Earth Day, will take place Saturday, April 24, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. This year marks the 10th anniversary of River Sweep and the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
Community volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. in one of three locations—Tydings Park Gazebo in Havre de Grace, Community Park and Boat Launch in Perryville or Marina Park in Port Deposit—and then fan out to spend the morning removing trash and other debris from the Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna River and tributaries that feed into the Susquehanna River.

River Sweep draws individuals, families and youth groups together for a day of hard work and fun while protecting and restoring the environment.

“Every year our volunteers remove between 7,000 and 11,000 pounds of litter which makes a positive impact on the community” explained Mary Ann Lisanti, executive director. “Over the past nine years, we have removed approximately 45 tons of trash. Some years volunteers have cleaned the shoreline using canoes, kayaks and hip boots.”
The Lower Susquehanna River and Upper Chesapeake Bay are known for scenic views and vast recreational opportunities. However, litter deposits–including items found at previous River Sweeps such as plastic bottles, tires, mattresses, balls and barrels—negatively impact the environment and community.
Volunteers for River Sweep 2010 can sign up by visiting www.hitourtrails.com or calling 410-457-2482. Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes and to bring work gloves. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt and lunch.

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to stimulate local economic activity by developing a linkage to natural, historic and cultural resources through land and water recreational trails. To date, 22 miles of continuous public recreation trails connecting Harford and Cecil counties have been constructed. The organization’s goal is 40 miles of trails.