Less Trash in the Occoquan River after FOTO's Fall 2009 Cleanup
The weather did not want to cooperate with FOTO's October 18th cleanup. Hard rain and cold winds made it too dangerous to venture out on boats or trek along the river's shores, therefore the event was rescheduled for the following day, Sunday, Oct. 18th and Sunday, Oct. 25th for the Fountain Head Park/Marina.
Liz Lockhard of Comcast Cable TV taped the event and interviewed participants at Lake Ridge Marina and the Town of Occoquan.
Volunteers came from as far away as Chantilly, Springfield and Arlington, VA. Science teacher Debbie Buffington, together with her students from South County High School went out on boats at Fountain Head Park/Marina; Lake Braddock Boosters concentrated their efforts at the Bull Run and Fountain Head; Woodbridge Senior High School's JROTC came to the Lake Ridge Park/Marina and so did Boy Scout Troop 1369 and Girl Scouts 2063 together with volunteers from NOVA and many others who wanted to make a difference.
In the Town of Occoquan, Mayor Ernie Porta and Town Clerk Claudia Cruise spearheaded a team to pick up debris along the river. At the Occoquan Regional Park volunteers came from Lorton, Springfield and Woodbridge to do their part.
Despite the inclement weather and a change to the rain date, the cleanup was a great success. One hundred and fourteen volunteers combed the river and its shore for debris. FOTO extends a big "Thank You" to event coordinators John Rothrock, Bill Olsen, Debbie Buffington, Alex and Betty Vanegas, Claudia Cruise and Renate Vanegas and every one who participated in the effort to keep the source of our drinking water clean and pristine.
Bull Run Marina--8 volunteers
14 bags of trash, including folding table, boat chairs,
oil barrels, fiberglass pieces, a cylinder, several metal buckets
and 3 tires
Fountain Head Park & Marina--40 volunteers
39 bags, including large styrofoam pieces, metal barrels,
assorted large plastic pieces, metal drum and 5 tires
Lake Ridge Park & Marina--39 volunteers
42 bags of trash--no large items
Occoquan Regional Park & Marina--16 volunteers
20 bags of trash, including a microwave, bicycle, and
several paint buckets
Town of Occoquan--11 volunteers
10 bags of trash--no large items
To read article in the Old Bridge Observer, local newswpaper, click here
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