News

A brutally hot day in Raleigh did not stop more than 70 people from turning out to clean up the Neuse on Aug. 6.

Sound Rivers’ staff—Executive Director Heather Deck, Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop and Development Coordinator Jay Potter—met up with board President Catherine Kastleman, organizers from The Orvis Company and Neuse River Outfitters and dozens of volunteers to revive Loose on the Neuse, a cleanup and celebration of the Neuse River.

“It was a wonderful turnout of community members who love the Neuse and wanted to dedicated a weekend day to help take care of it,” Sam said.

The clean-up occurred on the river by kayak and walking the Neuse River greenway.

“We pulled a surprising amount of trash out of what looked like a pretty clean-looking stretch of the river,” Sam said. “People were very crafty and willing to go to great measures to pull things out like tractor tires and the front end of a motorcycle. I think we really surprised the City of Raleigh parks and rec. They said just leave it all by the restrooms, and we left this giant pile of trash.”

Sam and her First Mate (and dog) Charlie shepherded kayakers nearly eight miles down the Neuse, while Catherine headed up those cleaning up by land.

“The walking crew I led was awesome — at least five people were totally new to the work of Sound Rivers and to our cleanups. One gentleman from Chapel Hill said he had retired a year ago, and this was the most meaningful day he had had since retiring,” Catherine said.

An after-party was held at Heyday Brewing, where cold beverages and prizes were given out. The prize for Trash Terminator when to two boys whose tandem kayak was so loaded down with things that don’t belong in the river that one of them chose to walk/swim the last leg of the trip!