JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens of volunteers spent Saturday morning cleaning up trash from the St. Johns River, as part of The Great St. Johns River Cleanup, a project that spans seven counties and kicked off Saturday with the first events in Duval County.
For many volunteers, the St. Johns River is more than just a waterway.
"The water, the waterfront was my anger management. I came up in a a kind of troubled environment, where my household was at peace, but outside my household was turmoil everywhere," Uncle Nate, a river cleanup volunteer, said.
Growing up in the Northside, Uncle Nate as he goes by, turned to the water to escape troubles at home.
“Whenever I would have issues with stuff my grandmother would say come on man, lets go fishing, and then we’d go fishing. So we have a family full of fisherman," Uncle Nate said.
By cleaning up along the river, this group is ensuring that future generations have the same chance to use the water to improve their lives.
“A lot of these plastics in particular when they break down, they can cause some real problems for the environment, they’re harmful to wildlife and even harmful to humans some of the chemicals that are contained in these plastics," said Jimmy Orth, the St. Johns Riverkeeper Executive Director.
Dozens of bags full of debris were collected at the Harborview Boat Ramp on Jacksonville's Northside, even two tires and an old gas tank were found during the cleanup.
Volunteers say it’s not just about participating in events like this, but also protecting the environment through every day lifestyles.
Simple changes in your home can help protect and restore the St. Johns River and its tributaries including using non-toxic cleaning products in your home, such as vinegar or baking soda, and finding ways to conserve energy and water. For homeowners, consider creating a river friendly yard by limiting fertilizer use, and planting native species.
"Conversations is number one, if you make people aware and educate them about the environment and what some of the threats are which primarily is litter, pollution, then you can make people have a sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment." Michelle Maul, a river cleanup volunteer, said.
Seven counties are participating in The Great St. Johns River Cleanup. The next counties to take part will be Orange, Seminole and St. Johns County Saturday, April 20. Volunteers can register for cleanup events online.