Local non-profit to organize Fall River Clean-up

Local citizens are coming together to remove litter and debris from the Reedy River as part of this year’s Fall River Clean-up with support from the City of Greenville and the County of Greenville. Friends of the Reedy River plans to conduct their largest clean-up yet to clean-up the Reedy River and activate the community on Saturday, September 21, 2019. The clean-up will happen rain or shine but in the case of a downpour where the water level is too high, the clean-up will be postponed to Saturday, September 28, 2019.

Friends of the Reedy River hosts at least two large clean-up events each year, along with organizing smaller clean-ups for businesses and communities to get involved. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers come out annually to remove litter, large debris, dozens of tires, and hundreds of bags of trash from the river at these events. “There are many ways that folks can support a healthy, clean Reedy, but the most instantly gratifying way is sweating it out in the river and along its banks. Families, clubs, businesses, churches, and individuals can work together to immediately see the river transformed! Clean ups give us a way to work together for a greater good with immediate results!” states Katie Callahan, President of Friends of the Reedy River. “This year, FoRR has started a water quality monitoring team and we have been measuring elevated bacteria levels. By removing the trash and debris that provides hospitable areas for the bacteria to grow, we can have a healthier Reedy!” said Friends of the Reedy River staff person, Olivia Dunn.

The clean-up is from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM with check in from 8:00 to 8:30 AM. Those volunteers willing to work on sites in the city should check in at St. Matthews United Methodist Church at 701 Cleveland Street, Greenville SC 29601. Those volunteers willing to work on site north of Hudson Street should check in at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe at 205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville SC 29611. As the parking is limited at the Cafe, participants are encouraged to park at the lower parking lot of Mount Calvary Baptist Church at 115 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville SC 29611.

Friends of the Reedy River is excited to be partnering with the City of Greenville and the County of Greenville. These two agencies are crucial to making this event happen and Friends of the Reedy River values their support. The City of Greenville will be picking up the trash and debris that is collected from all of the clean-up site locations.

Individuals and groups can sign-up for the event at bit.ly/fallrivercleanup or our Facebook event page. Participants should dress appropriately and wear old clothes and shoes that can get dirty and wet. There is a lot of trash within the river so waders and boots are highly recommended.

Friends of the Reedy River is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, volunteer-based, conservation organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and restoring the Reedy River. For over 25 years, Friends of the Reedy River has carried out its work through education, action, and advocacy. We envision a safe, clean, and accessible river corridor that enhances the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors. For more information visit www.friendsofthereedyriver.org.