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Everyone is encouraged to come out and do their part to help clean up the Pamlico River this Saturday. 

The project is the brainchild of Judy Hills with the NC Coastal & Piedmont Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society. 

“Judy first approached us and Sound Rivers about the idea of doing something to celebrate National River Cleanup Day,” said Katie McCullough, curator of the North Carolina Estuarium. “We, of course, were all for the idea and formed a little group which also includes River Vibes and Royal Rangers. We all came up with the idea of doing the cleanup work with kayaks.”

McCullough said kayakers will be given little grabbers and bags to collect trash along the waterfront here in Washington. Members of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will be out in some of their boats, allowing kayakers to paddle up to them and hand off the trash. Sound Rivers is coordinating the disposal of the trash. 

“Something like this is very important,” said McCullough. “We do get a lot of trash that builds up after storms. And even if there doesn’t happen to be that much, you will still have an opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy some nature for a couple of hours.” 

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. 

Those wishing to participate can sign up at HTTPS://soundrivers.org/event/save-the- date-national-clean-rivers-day-cleanup/. 

Free kayaks for the cleanup are being provided by River Vibes and must be reserved when registering. Participants are asked to meet behind the Estuarium at 223 E. Water Street. The kayakers will be able to launch from the River Vibes launch. 

“If folks don’t get a chance to register, we certainly encourage them to still come. We hope that those passing by will see us out there, ask what’s happening, and join the fun,” said McCullough.