Keep Wakulla County Beautiful (KWCB) and a dedicated team of volunteers made a significant impact on Wakulla County’s natural beauty by participating in a river cleanup event. This effort was part of the American Rivers National River Cleanup, a key initiative by American Rivers. Since its inception in 1991, National River Cleanup® has engaged more than 1.3 million volunteers in thousands of cleanups nationwide, covering over 261,000 miles of waterways and removing more than 32.5 million pounds of litter and debris.
Gathering at the Newport Park Boat Ramp on Saturday, 2/1/25, 39 volunteers, including KWCB members, Life Worth Leading participants, FSU Pre-PA Club members, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, and community supporters, worked together to remove waste from both land and water.
Volunteers tackled litter along Highway 98 and the boat ramp area, while others took to the St. Marks River using boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and even diving to remove debris from the fragile ecosystem. Their collective efforts led to the removal of an estimated 750 pounds of trash from the river and surrounding areas. Among the discarded items were cigarette butts, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles—common pollutants that threaten local wildlife. More alarming finds included siding, a derelict motor, a boat bumper, and even a vehicle battery pulled from the river’s depths.
The cleanup event underscored the critical need for reducing single-use plastics and ensuring proper waste disposal. Wakulla County’s rivers, estuaries, and wetlands support diverse wildlife, including manatees, fish, and birds, all of which suffer from pollution caused by human activity. Improperly discarded plastic and toxic materials can leach harmful chemicals into the water, disrupting delicate ecosystems and endangering aquatic life.
KWCB urges residents and visitors alike to adopt sustainable practices, such as using reusable water bottles, recycling properly, and participating in community cleanups. By working together, the Wakulla community can continue to protect and preserve the region’s breathtaking natural resources for generations to come.
The next KWCB event is the annual KWCB Apalachicola Forest Cleanup. At this event, KWCB promotes “Leaders Against Litter”, where community leaders and elected officials are encouraged to join volunteers and pledge to help work towards a cleaner and more beautiful Wakulla County.