Bluffton Celebrates 35 Years of River Sweep/Beach Sweep with Community Participation and Environmental Impact

Bluffton Joins Forces for Annual River Sweep/Beach Sweep

This past Saturday, the charming town of Bluffton saw the vibrant energy of **hundreds of volunteers** coming together for the highly anticipated **River Sweep/Beach Sweep** event, held on September 21. The charming setting of **Oyster Factory Park**, nestled along the scenic **May River**, served as a backdrop for local residents eager to make a difference. This year marked the **35th anniversary** of this statewide event, and Bluffton has proudly participated for the last **16 years**.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

The enthusiasm surrounding the event was palpable as volunteers from all walks of life—families, students, community organizations—rolled up their sleeves to tackle litter and debris in the town’s streets and waterways. Among the dedicated participants, the **Bluffton Rotary Club** was notably represented. Doug Magill, a spokesperson from the club, shared, “A number of volunteers from the Bluffton Rotary Club assisted in the semi-annual Beach and River Sweep, preparing the city for the annual Arts and Seafood Festival.” It’s clear that the community’s spirit was alive and thriving, as participants joined hands to keep Bluffton beautiful.

Making an Environmental Impact

The event’s significance extends beyond simply collecting trash; it fosters a sense of community and raises awareness of the region’s environmental treasures. Nicole Wright, the Town of Bluffton’s **Stormwater Technician**, described the event’s impact: “The Town is very grateful for such an involved community whose residents share their concern and care for the May River. Beaufort County’s waterways are rich in marine life and greatly contribute to the Lowcountry culture.”

As the volunteers picked up litter around the Historic District and along the beautiful May River, local kayak clubs also lent a helping hand from the water, emphasizing the mission to protect Bluffton’s natural beauty.

Data Collection for a Cleaner Future

The event was not just about cleanup—it was also about education and scientific contribution. Each local volunteer turned into a **citizen-scientist**, recording data about the type and amount of trash they collected. This information will be compiled and analyzed as part of South Carolina’s statewide litter data, contributing to the **Ocean Conservancy’s** global database. This collaborative effort aims to identify the sources of litter so that communities can launch targeted anti-litter campaigns.

Support and Supplies for Participants

Participants were treated to an array of perks to keep their spirits high, including **coffee, snacks,** and essential supplies like gloves, bags, and water—generously provided by community partners and the town. The volunteers took care to sort their collected items into recycling and trash; thanks to the services of **i2 Recycle**, recyclables found a new purpose while **Waste Management** helped ensure non-recyclable materials were disposed of correctly.

A Legacy of Cleanliness

Since its inception in 1988, the River Sweep/Beach Sweep event has remained a cornerstone in Bluffton’s commitment to a cleaner environment. The organization of this initiative is a collaboration between the **South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium** and **SCDNR**, coinciding with the **International Coastal Cleanup** led by the Ocean Conservancy. The data amassed from this event worldwide is essential for environmental protection authorities to understand and address litter sources effectively.

Gratitude for Participation

A heartfelt thank you was extended to all the volunteers who came out to participate this year. Their dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and it’s the collective efforts that continue to make Bluffton not just a beautiful place to live and visit, but also a town that cares deeply for its precious natural resources.