.jpg)
A local group is trying to keep the Maury River beautiful for all those who enjoy spending time on or near the water.
Will Bither of Paddle and Pedal Rockbridge sponsored two kayak cleanups recently. He offered free use of his kayaks for an afternoon of floating and picking up trash on the Maury. Both events started at Beans Bottom bridge and ended at Jordans Point Park.
The first cleanup, on May 6, included 12 kayakers. The group towed one empty kayak and collected trash in a canoe and in large plastic bags held by each person. At the end of the paddle, 418 pounds of trash had been pulled from the river. Recyclable materials were taken to the county recycling center.
On July 29 the group returned for a second cleanup. While the recent storms had washed most of the smaller trash downriver, there was still plenty to be collected. A couple of the group members used dive masks to retrieve items from the riverbed. Eight vehicle tires were pulled from the river. There were also several metal objects recovered. 426 pounds of trash were hauled from the river in approximately four hours.
Of course, time on the water cannot be all work, said Bither. The group stopped at Whistle Creek to take a refreshing plunge into the swimming hole and visited with other people floating down the Maury.
Bither plans to host a cleanup every six to eight weeks, weather permitting. To learn more about plans for the next cleanup, call (540) 460-2681.
