DATE: May 11, 2009

CONTACT: George Dickert, 864-596-2993, EXT. 117
gdicker@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, 864-656-4741
spalmer@clemson.edu

Clemson extension leads volunteers to clean up the North Tyger River

SPARTANBURG — The North Tyger River Sweep last month was a huge success because of the efforts and support of many people, according to George Dickert, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service agent in Spartanburg. 

Twenty-eight volunteers spent about 84 hours to clean up one mile of the river. They removed 920 pounds of litter and debris, 50 tires and 250 pounds of aluminum and steel.

"I would like to thank our volunteers, partners and sponsors for their generous support and assistance," Dickert said. "Without their help, this effort would not have gotten off the ground."

"Many thanks to SJWD Water District, Mike Caston and Mitch Turner for their generous donation of T-shirts and lunch for all of our participants," he said. "This was a very generous gesture that underscores SJWD's commitment to not only the community, but also its natural resources."

Dickert said they were fortunate enough to have Jack Turner of the Watershed Ecology Center at USC Upstate to give a short presentation on the watersheds of Spartanburg County and why protecting water quality is important.

Chris Gaffney of 1-800-GOT-JUNK donated time, labor and his truck to load the waste for the landfill. Sarah Robinson and Palmetto Pride donated gloves, safety vests, trash bags, hand sanitizer and other assorted items. Food Lion on Reidville Road gave a discount on all supplies and items for lunch.

"We are tentatively planning on another river sweep in the fall," said Dickert.

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