Group Volunteers Beautify the Alafia

In March, a volunteer group from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, served our community by removing litter and debris in and along the Alafia River. This group was led by Hillsborough County's own Earl Brown, Emergency Operations Manager.

The group consisting of ten men and two kids spent six hours on the water in an effort to remove litter. And they didn't just stay in their vessels leisurely floating down the river while removing trash from the water. Some members hopped out into the depths and ferreted through the brush to retrieve waste.

The team also took care of the riverway by trimming excess branches that extended into the river making it hard for travelers to navigate.

This group filled four large trash bags full of discarded items pulled from the river. Every can was dated from around the mid-80s. Some of them had pull tops. There were also glass bottles found dated from the same time period. There may have been a Tab among what was removed.

Some of the places where the most debris was found were near the canoe launches and at the halfway point along the trip between Alderman's Ford and Lithia Springs Conservation Parks.

Here at Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department, we know that teamwork makes the dream work. Staff is always happy to welcome group volunteers when there is a need.

Do you have a group that would like to volunteer in a Hillsborough County Conservation Park? If so, please complete a group application by clicking the following link.

Thanks to all who desire to serve their community by volunteering in our parks and preserves.