Trussville trail and riverbed clean up a great success

By Shaun Szkolnik

For The Journal

TRUSSVILLE — A group of over 60 volunteers met on Saturday to clean up litter and debris that had accumulated in the Trussville woods between Pumphouse Road and the Cahaba.

The effort brought together a variety of Trussville Clubs but also included concerned individuals and families.  The project was initiated and coordinated by Trussville mother and resident Jean Cox.

“We pulled a ton, literally a ton or more, of garbage and debris from the woods and the river.” Said Cox. “The Cahaba River Society had a team working in the river with canoes used as trash barges, both canoes were filled before they made half way down the stretch of river that runs through the Parks and Rec area. It was great to see so much junk being removed from our beautiful river.”

The trash and debris removed included tires, barrels, traffic cones, crates, rebar, pipes, hoses and part of a toilet.

“Some of this debris was washed up in flood waters and some of it was collected from old dump sites near the trails.” Said Cox. “Some of the larger items were flagged on Saturday and removed Monday morning by a smaller group of volunteers from the Home Depot and Oldcastle Retail.”

The amount that refuse that was removed during the operation far exceeded Cox’ estimations.

“The massive amount of trash that was piled up after this event was far more than I ever expected and we only covered a small portion of the land in the Trussville Parks and Recreation area.” Said Cox. “I think that most volunteers, including residents that frequently visit these trails, were shocked to see how much trash was in the woods hiding just off of the main greenway.”

However, far from being discouraged Cox sees the challenge as a good reason to continue with similar efforts.

“I think this event helped raise awareness about litter and about how much of it actually ends up in the river.” Said Cox. “We cleaned up ravines and hillsides that wash down into small streams. We cleaned up those small stream beds, and we cleaned the areas in the flood zone next to the river where the trash eventually accumulates. We made great progress this weekend, but there will be a need for many more clean-up days.  I hope to make this an annual event and plan on including additional areas next year.”

One of the many encouraging aspects of the event was the participation of many caring citizens and especially Trussville’s youth.

“19 Key Club members from Hewitt Trussville High covered a large area of woods and removed massive amounts of litter.” Said Cox. “I was thoroughly impressed with the effort and dedication of the Key club members. They really did a great job and they had smiles on their faces while they were hauling garbage out of the woods. Their parents should be proud.”

The local scouting organization also participated the clean-up job.

“I never imagined so many children would be a part of this.” Said Cox. “I don’t know if anyone working on this project was more enthusiastic than the kids in Cub Scout pack 538. It was so great to see the cub scouts and all of the other kids that volunteered working on this project. The parents that brought these kids out are setting a great example. They are raising individuals that will be willing and ready to make a difference in their communities.”

Individuals, families and clubs also got an assist from local business which donated materials, and prizes for the volunteers.  These generous contributors were Alabama Outdoors, Cahaba Cycles, Home Depot, Great Harvest Bread Co. and Marco’s Pizza.  The event would not have been possible without their contributions.

“One of my favorite things about this event was witnessing the happiness and joy of the volunteers.” Said Cox. “People were happy to be making a difference. Over and over again people told me how much fun they had. It is funny to think of picking up trash as being fun. But, it really was.”