Some of the Earth Stewardship East crew and their haul from June 25 trash cleanup of the Potomac.
Thanks to Matt and Kolette Markoff for providing the watercraft for our June event at Riley's Lock. What a beautiful natural resource, Seneca Creek and the Potomac River. It was interesting to observe the contrast between the Maryland shoreline which is lined by native trees and lush undergrowth where there is an active volunteer base to keep the area clean. The shoreline on the Virginia side has had its trees and undergrowth cleared away for the Trump golf course and we found a fair amount of trash along that water's edge. We surprised some golfers who called down to ask if we'd brought Matt's war canoe (which sits 30) on our minivan! The cool water, clear skies and low humidity made for a very pleasant morning. Most of us got in the water to reach the trash but that was probably just an excuse to cool off. Those who wanted to stayed for a picnic in the shady Calleva pavilion. A few of us also walked over to the Seneca Mill ruins. Special thanks also to Matt for loading the trash into his truck and hauling it out.
A number of people who wanted to come but couldn't have contacted us. We will try to schedule another event like this in the future. In the meantime, you might follow the example of earth stewards Agnes and Terrel Hale who, having missed our event, chose to talk a walk on another section of the C&O canal and being good stewards, picked up trash along their walk. If you can do your own individual or family trash pickup in a local natural area -- that's terrific. Wouldn't mind hearing about it.
Photos above from Merikay Smith -- who admits she spent more time taking pictures than taking trash.
Photos above by Natalie Joanna Reineke and posted here with her permission. Click to see more.