GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Sound Rivers is calling on paddlers and community volunteers to help clean up a stretch of the Neuse River during the inaugural “Spruce Up The Neuse” river cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The cleanup will cover approximately 6.8 miles of the Neuse River, beginning near The River Bar and ending at Prices Landing. Sound Rivers is partnering with Mother Earth Brewing, Down East Kayak Adventures, The River Bar and Great Outdoor Provision Company-Greenville for the event.
“I think we all agree that seeing litter in our waterways can be pretty disheartening, so we’re inviting the public to join us in sprucing up the Neuse River,” Sound Rivers Executive Director Heather Deck said.
Check-in will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Goldsboro Wildlife Resources Commission boat ramp, with volunteers launching at 10 a.m.
Participants will paddle approximately 6.8 miles to the Prices Landing Wildlife Resources Commission boating access ramp, collecting trash they encounter in the river and along its banks. Organizers estimate the paddle will take about three hours.
Following the cleanup, volunteers will be shuttled back to the starting point for a celebration at The River Bar.
“We’ll supply everyone with a ‘Spruce Up The Neuse’ T-shirt and everything they need to pick up litter, and we’ll be providing beverage stations along the paddle route,” Deck said. “We’re looking forward to celebrating a litter-free Neuse River in Goldsboro.”
Participants are encouraged to bring their own non-motorized vessel, including kayaks, canoes or paddle boards. A limited number of kayaks will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those needing to reserve a kayak must register by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Sound Rivers, founded in 1980-81, is one of North Carolina’s oldest grassroots conservation organizations. The organization monitors and works to protect the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds through science-based advocacy and environmental justice.
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