Massive McCoys Creek Clean-Up Planned for April 21st

[acme54321]

Are these efforts focusing on cleaning up the creek or do they include restoration?  I saw something about invasive plant removal.  The creek appears to be extremely silted in, I bet a little silt removal would uncover some serious artifacts down there!

[fieldafm]

It kind of depends on what part of the creek is being worked on.  Last month there were two or three sites that were being worked on during the annual city-wide cleanup and invasive plant removal was a part of one of those sites.

Some of the areas where invasive plants have really disrupted the tidal flow are pretty contaminated... so, efforts are made not to kick up sediment that contains toxins in those areas.  The monthly cleanups are mainly in the more residential parts of the creek, not the industrial sites that have the worst contamination problems.  We also provide gloves, bags and all sorts of hand tools to make it fun and productive without having to get your feet wet if you are not inclined to do so.

North Florida Land Trust is indeed working on some long term restoration efforts, including shoreline restoration as well as possibly linking McCoys with the Baldwin Rail Trail.  That's obviously much bigger picture and much more long term.  But you can immediately help out this month or any other months with our more low impact cleanups. 

[Slankinship]

There is no lack of a need for volunteers on McCoys. While we normally have about 15-30 volunteers out there each month, it would be great to get 50-100 or more on April 21st. Its EARTH DAY! Plus, Hollybrook Park is so large, we can easily get everyone working together. Check out the pictures from cleanups each month on FB (help wanted).

[John P]

How do you remove invasive water plants? like a pesticide?

[fieldafm]

Just bumping this up.  Hope to see a few new faces this Sunday. 

Thanks to Lakelander for getting this event up on digital billboards around town! 

[thelakelander]

[Ocklawaha]

Anyone know if we've got any dumpsters? Bet Waste Management, or some of the other companies would be happy to spot a few in exchange for being included in the story. A couple of construction type dumpsters would be ideal and it saves our volunteers from driving around with a half ton of garbage in the bed of the old pick up truck.

[mbwright]

any 'after' photos?  I hope it was successful.

[fieldafm]

any 'after' photos?  I hope it was successful.

We hold monthly cleanups (just had one last Sunday).
You can view pictures on the Facebook page of the Rising Tides of the St Johns Riverkeeper.

[John P]

How di dyou get rid of the invasive plants? just wondering