Beach Cleanup Covers 22 Miles

The 2009 Beach Cleanup was held on Saturday, September 12. It was an absolutely beautiful day for hiking the beaches of Beaver Island.

Seventeen volunteers arrived at the Community Center around 9AM to pick up their data cards, trash bags and gloves. Many volunteers had previously identified their preferred beach to clean but some people checked the map and volunteered for any available beach.

Around noon volunteers started returning to the Community Center with their trash. There was 442 pounds of trash collected. Judy Boyle was the champ with 142 pounds from Greenes’ Bay (collected over several weeks). The most unique item found was a scientific package from Western Shores comprised of a balloon, parachute and part of an instrument. The most common items found were cigarette butts and food wrappers.

After their trash was weighed and their data cards turned in volunteers enjoyed a lunch of Nathan’s hot dogs, veggies, chips and pop at the Community Center.

Thanks very much to all the volunteers who helped this year and to the Community Center for hosting the event. Watch for next year’s beach cleanup in mid September and plan on joining the fun.