Categories: Bluffton, SCCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Bluffton Hosts Annual May River Cleanup to Protect Ecosystem

Volunteers participating in the Bluffton May River cleanup

News Summary

On May 3, the Town of Bluffton will hold its annual cleanup event for the May River, inviting residents and community members to participate in preserving local ecosystems. This year, collaboration with over a dozen partners and educational activities aims to enhance environmental awareness and community involvement. The event highlights the importance of the May River to Bluffton’s culture and the proactive measures against pollution in Beaufort County’s sensitive ecosystems.

Bluffton Holds Annual May River Cleanup to Preserve Local Ecosystem on May 3

The Town of Bluffton is set to host its annual cleanup event for the May River and surrounding areas on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Residents and community members are invited to join in the effort to clean the shores of the May River, nearby streets, and parks within the Bluffton Historic District. The event aims to enhance the local environment and foster community involvement in preserving the area’s precious ecosystems.

Mayor Larry Toomer highlighted the event’s significance, underlining the May River’s crucial role as a source of Bluffton’s culture, industry, and lifestyle. The event has seen a surge in participation over the years, with an increasing number of organizational partners joining the clean-up initiative. This year’s gathering includes participation from students, scout groups, civic organizations, businesses, and nearly a dozen official partners collaborating for environmental conservation.

Following the cleanup activities, educational booths will be set up for participants to learn about local environmental issues and conservation efforts. Various partners, including Lowcountry Stormwater Partners, The Outside Foundation, The Dolphin Project, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Keep Beaufort County Beautiful, and Bluffton Running Company, will provide valuable information and resources at these booths.

Mini-Tidal Saltwater Workshop

This year’s event will feature a unique addition with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) Adopt-a-Stream hosting a mini-Tidal Saltwater Workshop. This program aims to educate volunteers on water quality monitoring and the Adopt-a-Stream initiative, promoting better awareness and understanding of local stewardship efforts.

The ecosystems of Beaufort County, encompassing salt marshes and tidal rivers, are particularly sensitive to environmental pollutants carried by stormwater runoff. This cleanup event serves as a proactive measure to mitigate these pollutants while rallying community support and action for local environmental health.

Collaboration with M.C. Riley Elementary School

The Town of Bluffton is excited to partner with M.C. Riley Elementary School for the Annual School Participation Challenge, marking a decade of collaboration for this event. As part of the cleanup, families and students will engage in cleanup activities and learn about waste reduction strategies with assistance from i2 Recycle. Volunteers from the community will play a vital role, contributing to the overall success of the event.

Over the past 22 years, the previous cleanups have resulted in the collection of more than 70,000 pounds of litter, debris, and abandoned items from the May River and Bluffton Historic District. An important advancement in 2015 was the establishment of a partnership with i2 Recycle, allowing for the processing and recycling of suitable materials retrieved by volunteers during cleanup efforts.

All supplies necessary for the cleanup, as well as lunch for volunteers, will be provided by the town. Participants are advised to arrive by 8:30 a.m. for setup and coordination. The town encourages community members to take part in this essential effort to protect the May River and the surrounding environment.