WHAT: Each year, Western Carolina University (WCU) teams up with the local community to help beautify an icon of Western North Carolina, the Tuckaseegee River. Last year, over 900 people volunteered to pick up trash along the river’s banks and islands.
WHEN: This year’s cleanup is on Earth Day, Saturday April 22nd. Participants will meet at the UC lawn at 11am.WHAT TO BRING: Remember to come with a full stomach, hydrated and energized for the day of fun! You will be rafting or walking the banks of the river to picking up trash, so wear comfortable clothes that you can get wet and dirty. The Tuckaseegee River has a rocky bottom and contains some sharp debris. For your safety, every participant is required to wear close-toed shoes at all times (i.e. no flip flops, shower sandals, or shoes with out backs). We encourage you to bring your own gloves, although we do have a limited number available for your use.
WHAT TO EXPECT: We will provide transportation to and from the river for rafters. Base Camp Cullowhee / University Center will provide the participants with a raft, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD) and a river talk for the section of river that you will be floating. While on the river, every participant is required to wear the provided PFD. You will be collecting trash on an approximately 2-mile stretch of river (usually takes about 2 hours once on the river), while enjoying the company of your fellow raft mates.
PARTY AFTER: After a fun afternoon of cleaning the river, we will transport you back to the University for the free cookout party after the cleanup. The cookout starts at 5pm, and there is generally time for locals to go home and get ready for the picnic in time for the 5pm start time. Food is free for cleanup volunteers. We will also give away tons of GREAT prizes. You MUST BE present to win if your name is drawn. Entertainment will be provided by the Whitewater Bluegrass Band.
Pre-registration is available. For more information visit www.wcu.edu/univcenter/outdoors
Or contact:
Josh Whitmore, Director of Outdoor Programs, WCU
828-227-3466
jwhitmore@wcu.edu