For more than two decades Lexington area citizens have gathered at the river to pick up trash. The tradtion continues Saturday morning, when about 100 people are expected for the annual Kentucky River Clean Sweep.
Lexington Environmental Initiative Specialist Jennifer Myatt said volunteers will collect more than paper, bottles, and plastic bags.
“We find tires and we’ve found patio furniture and even a water heater. So, we spend the day getting a lot of trash out of the river and helping it be a more healthy environment,” said Myatt.
Myatt said both the Kentucky River and the river banks are cleaned up. She added it gives volunteers the opportunity to see the source of Lexington’s drinking water which is also being home to much vegetation and wildlife. Myatt said attention given to the river sweep over the past 20 years has made a difference.
“This part of the Kentucky River, throughout the years I’ve seen less trash in the river. And I think some of that is due to people starting to understand why littering is bad and why it’s important to dispose of our trash correctly,” explained Myatt.
The event runs from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Workers gather at the Clays Ferry boat dock off Old Richmond Road under the I-75 bridge.
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