Francis Marion National Forest Cleanup

January 19, 2017

PalmettoPride, the USDA Forest Service and Palmetto Conservation Foundation will host the annual cleanup of the Francis Marion National Forest on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Volunteers are wanted to help clean up litter and illegal dumpsites spread throughout the forest’s 260,000 acres.

This litter pickup event is the 10th collaborative effort hosted by PalmettoPride and the USDA Forest Service. Since 2003, more than 2,000 volunteers have removed 237 tons of trash from the forest floor plus additional tonnage of tires, abandoned vehicles and household furniture.

“What we see in the forest is a proverbial “mixed bag” of trash from pedestrians and vehicles along the roadside and illegal dumping deeper in the woods,” said Sarah Lyles, Executive Director of PalmettoPride. “We have even pulled out abandoned boats.”

Volunteers of all ages, individuals and groups, can participate in the event. There will be groups heading out to the roadside for smaller items of trash and debris, as well as groups heading into the forest with trucks, Jeeps and other equipment to tackle the illegal dumpsites.

“Many volunteers return to the cleanup every year because it is fun, and they are passionate about our forest lands. With this being our 10th year, we plan on acknowledging those groups that have been with us since the beginning; the Jeep Clubs, Geocachers, schools and families that make this annual event a part of their recreation in the Charleston area,” said Lyles.

The cleanup will focus on five areas of the forest, with volunteers being asked to pre-register or come to the USDA Forest Service headquarters for supplies. PalmettoPride will work with groups that want to get supplies before-hand and head straight to their assigned locations.

In addition to PalmettoPride and USDA Forest Service, Palmetto Conservation Foundation is participating as a special guest host. Charleston and Berkeley Counties will also once again participate in the logistics of trash removal.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Scott Morgan, Program Manager at PalmettoPride, at 877-725-7733 or smorgan@palmettopride.org.
Event Details

When: Saturday, February 4, 2017, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lunch will be served at noon to all volunteers and staff.

Dress: Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and sturdy shoes. Gloves, bags and vests will be provided. Weather-appropriate outerwear is recommended.

Locations: Volunteers can choose between to 5 locations around the forest prior to the event. Please contact Scott Morgan to pre-register for a specific location near you.

All other volunteers should meet at the US Forest Service Office, 2967 Steed Creek Rd, Huger, SC

Directions: From Georgetown: Take HWY 17 S approximately 33 miles to Steed Creek Road (Road #10-1032)

From Monks Corner: Take HWY 52 to HWY 402 to Huger. Cross over Hwy 41 at the flashing red light and you will be on Steed Creek Road. Forest Service Center is 3 miles on your right.

From Mt. Pleasant/I-526: Take HWY 17. Drive 5.2 miles past the Sewee Visitor Center and turn left on Steed Creek Road. Forest Service Center is approximately 9 miles on the left.

Lunch: Following the cleanup, volunteers and staff will meet at the Steed Creek Road location for a celebratory lunch, fellowship and prizes.