Bluffton Gears Up for the 35th Annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep
Attention, residents of Bluffton, South Carolina! If you love our beautiful Lowcountry and want to do something meaningful for the environment, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21st! From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Town of Bluffton, along with several dedicated partners, is inviting everyone—kayakers, boaters, business owners, families, and friends—to join in for the 35th Annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep.
Join the Community Effort
This year’s event will take place at the lovely Oyster Factory Park on the May River, located at 63 Wharf Street. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been at this for 35 years, but it’s true! This annual event is a huge volunteer effort across South Carolina, aimed at cleaning up our beaches, marshes, and waterways, and Bluffton is proud to have participated for 16 of those years.
Every year, thousands of volunteers come together to make a difference. Nicole Wright, the Town’s Stormwater Technician, believes these clean-up days also serve an essential purpose beyond just picking up litter. “These events help create a sense of community as they educate residents about town and regional resources,” says Wright. She further added, “The Town is very grateful for such an involved community whose residents share their concern and care for the May River.”
A Meaningful Day of Action
The impact of this clean-up can’t be overstated. Beaufort County’s waterways are alive with marine life and are integral to the Lowcountry culture. Participating in this event gives community members the chance to step up as environmental stewards and show how much they care about preserving these natural treasures.
So what can you expect on the day? Well, for starters, Coffee and snacks will be provided to fuel your cleaning efforts! Local favorite, Corner Perk, will be serving up their delicious May River Blend coffee or hot chocolate to kickstart the morning. The Town will also provide snacks and essential supplies like gloves, bags, sunscreen, and water.
Get Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves
All you need to do is show up wearing comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes. There will be options for both water and land-based clean-up. You can help with litter picks around the Historic District or join local kayak club members on the water. Interested in using your own kayak or boat? Just arrive by 8:30 a.m. to give yourself some time to set up!
And here’s something cool: every local volunteer will have the chance to become a citizen-scientist. You’ll record data about the type and amount of litter you collect. This information will be incorporated into statewide and even worldwide initiatives, helping communities target anti-litter efforts more effectively.
How to Get Involved
No prior registration is necessary, but if you’re bringing a large group or community organization, it’s a good idea to let Nicole Wright know by calling her at 843-706-4569 or emailing her at nwright@townofbluffton.com. This will help the event organizers prepare adequately in terms of supplies and special projects.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
So, grab your friends, family, and anyone else who cares about the environment and join us for a day that’s not only fun but incredibly impactful! Together, we can keep our beloved May River and surrounding areas clean and beautiful for generations to come. We look forward to seeing you all at Oyster Factory Park!
