As part of JSRCC’s Earth Day 2013 celebration a group of 16 enthusiastic volunteers composed of students, staff and faculty members spent four hours on Saturday, April 20 in hip-boots sloshing through the North Run stream removing trash and liter from the stream and surrounding terrain.
Richard Groover, Assistant Dean of Mathematics, Science and Engineering coordinated and led the cleanup effort. Before taking to the water the participants completed a safety briefing as the water level in the stream was approximately 6” above flood stage due to recent rains.
This environmental stewardship effort resulted in the collection and removal of more than 200 lbs. of trash and liter from the stream, which is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The larger items collected included a piece of Plexiglas, a hubcap and a tire.
The stream habitat was not the only beneficiary of the day’s activities, as the volunteers increased their understanding, education and appreciation of natural aquatic systems. Wildlife observed during their cleanup activity included a variety of birds and a group of newly emerged Common Baskettail dragonflies.
In discussing the day’s event Mr. Groover noted, “I’m very proud of the 16 great volunteers who assisted in this effort to improve the quality of North Run stream. Improving the stream benefits not only the Chesapeake Bay, but aids in Henrico County’s efforts to improve its streams’ water quality.”
Next year the group plans to tackle the stream which flows into North Run stream. To learn more about sustainability at JSRCC, visit the MS4 program web page. 
