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Friends of Accotink Creek
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 Volunteers moved the heavy axle halves this far before running out of steam |
Our September 19, 2026, stream cleanups:
Today began as a fine day along Accotink Creek, with temperatures starting near 70 and rising to just about 80. Skies began clear, but then turned overcast ftert midday. At our first site of the day, Braddock Road, we had just 3 volunteers, who collected 4 bags of trash. Our most unusual find here was nothing more remarkable than a broom handle. At Franconia-Springfield Parkway, we again had 3 volunteers, the same three from this morning. Just like last year, we were too late in the season to find any fruit still on the pawpaw trees along the trail. We collected an unusual number of dog waste bags, apparently thrown into the creek from the pedestrian by one or more thoughtless pet owners. Our volunteers collected 4 bags of trash. Our most unusual find here was half a broken skateboard. At our last site of the day, Telegraph Road, we were joined by two groups from George Mason University, Phi Iota Alpha and Lambda Pi Chi. Thank you, Phi Iota Alpha and Lambda Pi Chi! Our 14 volunteers devoted most of their attention to the arduous task of extracting ancient-looking car axle with attached wheels. This axle has defied us for over a decade, stuck deep in immovable mud until now. Finding it's position had shifted, the volunteers managed to wrest it free of the mud and rocks. However, after heaving and dragging it 80 yards toward the road, there was not enough energy left in the group to haul the axle out to the street. No matter, we will move it further along when we return in April. In addition to the axle, our volunteers collected 4 bags of trash.
Despite all the wonderful volunteers who have turned out to help, we are still outnumbered by the litterbugs. Your club, school, business, or other group is welcome to join Friends of Accotink Creek in next year's Potomac Watershed Cleanup in April & May, and the International Coastal Cleanup in September & October! Volunteer site leaders and coordinators are needed! Follow the Friends of Accotink Creek motto and "Find just one other person who cares". |
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The International Coastal Cleanup is the world's largest volunteer data collection effort devoted to the marine environment. The Ocean Conservancy compiles the data received from sites around the world, and prepares a summary report to be used by citizens and policy makers in evaluating our progress in dealing with this serious form of pollution.
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GET YOUR BRAIN WET! Join Friends of Accotink Creek in next year's International Coastal Cleanup in September and the Potomac Watershed Cleanup in April! Read about last year's International Coastal Cleanup on Accotink Creek.
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