Volunteers Sought For Annual Neuse River Cleanup

CLAYTON, N.C. — Volunteers are being asked to roll up their sleeves and help remove litter and debris from the Neuse River during the Friends of Johnston County Parks’ annual river cleanup.

The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will focus on the section of the Neuse River between Covered Bridge Road and Castleberry Road near Clayton.

The nonprofit Friends of Johnston County Parks is partnering with Neuse Adventures, a Clayton-based river outfitter, to organize the event.

Participants will meet at East Clayton Elementary School before being transported to a private river access point. Volunteers will travel downstream by kayak or canoe while collecting trash and other debris along the river.

Organizers say litter carried downstream during floods continues to impact water quality and the river’s natural habitat, making the annual cleanup an important stewardship project.

“We’re excited to be hosting our annual Neuse River Cleanup, which presents a great opportunity to get outside and make a positive difference,” said Austin Cross, a longtime board member of the Friends of Johnston County Parks. “The Neuse River is the lifeblood of the county’s water system and is consistently hit with flooding, which brings litter downriver and creates further issues with our water quality and marine ecosystems.”

Cross said organizers also hope the event encourages more people to enjoy one of Johnston County’s natural resources.

“The Neuse River is an underrepresented recreational gem in Johnston County, and we hope by hosting this event, we can change the perception about the river and get more people using and respecting it,” he said.

Advance registration is required. Participation is limited because only nine rental vessels, accommodating up to 18 volunteers, will be available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers with their own kayaks or canoes are encouraged to bring them.

Trash bags, gloves and safety equipment will be available while supplies last, although participants are encouraged to bring their own life jackets if possible. Organizers also recommend bringing drinking water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent.

The Friends of Johnston County Parks is a nonprofit organization that supports parks, open space and recreational opportunities throughout Johnston County through advocacy, education and stewardship efforts.