ReNew the New’s annual Fall Into the New River cleanup brought together 351 volunteers on Saturday, August 29, to help keep the New River and surrounding areas free of trash and debris. Volunteers gathered in Eggleston before heading out to clean the section of the New River between McCoy and Eggleston. Participants included 90 members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, 25 students from Giles County ACCE, members of local Lions and Rotary clubs, Trout Unlimited volunteers, Giles County staff, and many other community members.
Working from kayaks, canoes, rafts, and along riverbanks and roadways, volunteers collected 165 bags of trash and removed 92 tires from the river and surrounding areas. Cleanup supplies and lunch were provided by the Giles County ReNew Committee and Giles County. The effort is part of the larger ReNew the New program, a community-driven initiative dedicated to protecting the New River watershed. According to the ReNew Committee, more than 225 tons of trash and debris have been removed since the program began. Volunteers have contributed more than 32,000 hours of service over the past 25 years, helping collect and properly dispose of more than 5,000 tires from the river and its banks. These results demonstrate the lasting impact of local volunteers and the continued growth of the cleanup effort throughout the New River watershed.
Giles County is home to 37 miles of the New River and the New River Water Trail®, offering opportunities for paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly outdoor recreation. To learn more about the New River Water Trail, visit www.newriverwatertrail.com. For more information about ReNew the New, volunteer opportunities, and year-round cleanup initiatives, visit www.renewthenew.org or follow @ReNewTheNew on Facebook.
