More than 40 volunteers came out on Saturday and generously gave their time to remove close to 750 pounds of litter and debris from the Smith River and roadsides during the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and Henry County annual Smith River Cleanup event held on August 16. Volunteers aged seven to seventy, from both Virginia and North Carolina, gathered Saturday morning at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex, dividing into groups with some people choosing to clean up on land, and others paddling and picking trash out of the river. Everyone met back at the Sports Complex for a thank-you lunch and prize raffle.
“For the past 16 years, DRBA has partnered with Henry County for an annual cleanup event, and every person that lives, works, and plays in our community benefits from the amazing job these volunteers do,” said Anna Wheeler, DRBA’s Recreation and Stewardship Manager. “Every year we notice a bit less litter on the river, and that’s a good thing. This year, we saw it drop to almost half of what we picked up last year, and that means the efforts of DRBA, Henry County, and other partners are making a huge difference. Still, more than 700 pounds means we have more work to do.”
“The clean-ups give people a chance to work together and make some new friends while giving back to the community. It’s important to note that most of the trash and debris is not dumped directly into a waterway but gets there from roads, and then storm drains carry this debris into the waterway,” noted Wheeler.
The volunteers worked from 9 a.m. to noon in canoes, kayaks, and on boats, while others scoured the sides of the roads along the river. The appreciation lunch was generously donated by Boxley and provided by Hugo’s Restaurant and Bar. Henry County, Star News, Hugos, Brian and Patty Williams, Lisa Simons, Rooster Walk, William MacKinnon, and DRBA donated raffle prizes. The Smith River Sports Complex donated the use of tables and chairs for the luncheon.
Garbage removal was provided by Henry County. Event volunteers included employees from local companies, dozens of concerned and caring individuals who live in both Virginia and North Carolina, and the Henry County Adult Detention Center Workforce.
“The Smith River is not only a natural treasure—it’s a vital resource for Henry County,” said Tracy McKoy, Henry County’s Beautification Coordinator. “Removing trash from the river and roadways protects our drinking water, preserves our local ecosystems, and enhances the beauty that draws visitors and supports our economy. Clean water and a clean community go hand in hand, and the Smith River Cleanup is a crucial step toward a healthier, more vibrant Henry County.”
“The Smith River is the source of drinking water for thousands of people who live in Martinsville and Henry County and North Carolina,” added Wheeler. “The river also provides economic benefits to our region when visitors come to hike, paddle, and fish. Keeping our natural resources protected and healthy is good for everyone’s health and our local economy. These volunteers are true heroes.”
To learn more about how you can help keep our local waterways clean and healthy for future generations, visit DRBA’s website, www.danriver.org
The mission of the Dan River Basin Association is to promote and protect the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River basin through education, recreation, and stewardship. DRBA works to fulfill that mission by building river accesses and trails, educating people of all ages about protecting our natural resources, and protecting our water resources through water quality monitoring, cleanups, and master planning. The Dan River basin is 3,300 square miles, including sixteen counties throughout Virginia and North Carolina.
