Alice Ferguson Foundation
Connecting people to the natural world, sustainable agricultural practices and the cultural heritage of their local watershed through education, stewardship and advocacy.
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11th Annual Occoquan River Cleanup
September 12, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hope everyone is staying safe but looking for some outdoor exercise and environmental clean-up work. The Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (“PWTSC”) has conducted a clean-up of the Occoquan River and adjoining neighborhoods for the last 10 years. The Corona Virus cancelled the scheduled April effort. A phone call with the Prince William County Health Office on 5 August reflected that if participants wear masks and maintained the six foot distance standard we can conduct an on-water and adjoining neighborhoods clean-up. The clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (rain date September 19, 2020). PWTSC will provide coordination of county trash pickups from the different locations.
The clean-up will range from Cedar Run/Broad Run, through Lake Jackson, and from the base of Lake Jackson Dam to Hooes Run (south of Lake Ridge Marina) and the Town of Occoquan. Hooes Run, Lake Ridge Park ( setup/ landing) and Riverview Estates sites will have PWTSC Members support.
During last year’s clean-up (2019), over 205 volunteers (45 on-water) collected 241 trash bags, 9 tires and other items. Over 4495 pounds of trash was collected. But due to the virus this year, land volunteers are encouraged to cleanup nearby community waterways or ponds of their choice and are encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distance.
Homeowners associations, civic associations, and businesses are encouraged to come out to help in this effort.
Experienced kayakers, canoeists, jon boaters, and pontoon boaters are also requested for the on-the-water portion of this conservation effort. Boaters will have to coordinate put-ins and pickups between themselves.
Interested participants should Register at http://www.pwtsc.org/2020/08/11th-annual-occoquan-river-cleanup-september-12-2020/
For any new information and cancellation updates visit: www.pwtsc.org.
Clean-up points of contact are Ed Dandar (703-489-0269/efdandar@verizon.net) or Veronica Tangiri at waterquality@pwswcd.org (571-379-7514). For cleanup supplies, data sheets to report cleanup data, and to share pictures contact: waterquality@pwswcd.org (571-379-7514).
Related Events
- County: Prince William
- Site Type: Run/Creek/Stream
- Suitable for children under seven?: 1
- Suitable for elderly?: 1
- Is RSVP required?: 1
- Suitable for disabled?: 1
- Who should participants contact for questions?: Any citizen who likes to promote water quality awareness and to save water for the future generation
- Are restrooms available?: 1
- Site Leader Phone/Email: waterquality@pwswcd.org
- Notes: Volunteers Needed to Clean the Occoquan River – the water supply for most of the Eastern Part of Prince William & Fairfax Counties. 2020 -Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) partnering with Prince William Trials and Streams Coalition (PWTSC) for Plastic Pollution Awareness in the Potomac Watershed On Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. , Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (PWTSC), a 501(c)3 organization and Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) will have a big annual clean-up of the Occoquan River, from different sites along a +30 miles stretch of the Occoquan River. This clean-up will run from Cedar Run/Broad Run, through Lake Jackson, and from the base of Lake Jackson Dam through Hooes Run and Lake Ridge Marina (FOTO's base) to the Belmont Bay ( Belmont Bay Paddlers) County stormwater ponds are also included for cleanup on-land; appropriate sites for community volunteers, students and scout troops. This Annual Cleanup will be having PWTSC is partnering, Friends of the Occoquan, Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District, Prince William County Parks and Recreation, Prince William County Public Works, and a number of home owners associations, civic associations, businesses, and volunteer groups all partnering to accomplish this major 30+-mile river clean-up. Last year (2019) PWTSC had 298 volunteers (76 on-water and 222 volunteers on land) who pulled out over 11067 pounds of trash, over 60 tires among others items out of the Occoquan River. This year we hope to get more volunteers to reduce trash in this waterway especially with the partnership of FOTO for more water quality awareness in Prince William County. Experienced kayakers, canoeists, jon boaters, and pontoon boaters are need to sign up for this big annual event.. Some kayaks and canoes will be available for loan provided by Penguin Paddling (at Hooes Run) and the Prince William County Parks and Recreation Department (at Lake Ridge Marina). To Register for this event , please visit: www.pwtsc.org OR www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org Cleanup supplies and trash haul support will be provided to individuals or groups regardless of location. For more information or questions to be part of this great fun event in Prince William County/Fairfax, please contact: Veronica Tangiri at waterquality@pwswcd.org or call 571 379 8213.
- Maximum Volunteers: 300
- Directions: Several cleanup locations