Francis Marion Wrap-up

The 2nd Annual Francis Marion National Forest Cleanup was another successful event, building on the initiative that began last year. In March 2003, cleanup hosts PalmettoPride and the USDA Forest Service held the first cleanup. Due to the success of last year’s cleanup, it has become an annual event held on the first Saturday in February. Volunteers have removed over 90 tons of trash and illegal dumpsite debris in four jointly held cleanups.

Individual volunteers and groups gathered at 8 a.m. at the Sewee Education Center before heading out to designate cleanup sites. Groups participating included Boy Scout Troop 457, the Palmetto Jeep Club, the Lowcountry Jeep Club, the East Cooper/Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis, Charleston Collegiate School and Wando High School Key Club. After a three-hour cleanup, 34.22 tons of trash – including 100 tires – were removed from the forest. Volunteers were treated to lunch from Domino’s Pizza and drinks from Coca Cola.

Thank you again to all our volunteers. Make sure you mark your calendars for next year.