JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Standing on the banks of the St. Johns River on Monday, Mayor Alvin Brown called for action. He's looking for volunteers to help cleanup what he calls the lifeblood of our community.
"We have a treasure here that we have to protect," he said.
He says it's a treasure that drives tourism, drives the economy. No one wants to visit a city with a dirty river running through it. No one wants to kayak in a sea of water bottles and grocery bags. Experts say little things we do everyday affect the river's health.
Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman said, "The things you do in your yard are connected to the St. Johns. Use less fertilizer. Use less irritation. Plant a native plant this month."
Last year, 1,000 volunteers picked up 9 tons of trash along the St. Johns. This year, Mayor Brown wants more manpower, more debris off the banks.
"I believe we should be doing everything we can to ensure our environment is healthy for many generations to come," he said.
The 18th annual River Cleanup is Saturday, March 16th. For start sites, visit
https://www.coj.net/getattachment/Departments/Neighborhoods/Environmental-Quality/Clean-It-Up,-Green-It-Up/St--Johns-River-Celebration/St-Johns-River-Celebration-Cleanup--Flyer-2013-(FINAL-FINAL).pdf.aspxYou don't have to register in advance. Anyone under 18, must be accompanied by an adult.
