CCU student groups embrace the river
by Ellis
In Summer 2011, the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® Program of Winyah Rivers Foundation launched its Adopt-a-Landing Program, an initiative that encourages local community groups to watch over a selected boat landing over a period of at least two years, and enhance it through cleanups, beautification and improved safety measures. This program will not only make the Waccamaw's riverside lands more attractive for boaters and picnickers, but will also teach participating groups about the community benefit of properly managing the lands along the river.
We have had an amazing response from the community, including the Coastal community with three CCU Student Groups taking on landings along the Waccamaw River. It's no surprise that the Eco-Reps with Coastal's Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative have signed on to the program. The Sustainability Initiative is committed to transforming CCU into an environmentally sustainable university through campus operations, student curriculum, engaging students through learning and outreach, and collaboration in the community through careful stewardship of resources. The Eco-Rep Program strives to create environmental awareness and literacy throughout the campus and community by promoting environmentally responsible behaviors to reduce its ecological footprint. Led by Jennifer Sellers and her student assistant, Michael Sargo, the Eco-Reps with the Sustainability Initiative will adopt the Savannah Bluff Landing (aka Billy Witherspoon Landing) on the Waccamaw River off of U.S. 501 bypass in Conway.
Coastal's Students for Environmental Action has also committed to the program. Students for Environmental Action helps create a more sustainable campus and community. While participating in cleanups, recycling programs and environmental talks, SEA looks to improve the natural quality of life at Coastal and its surrounding areas. Led by Rebecca Thompson, the Students for Environmental Action will adopt the Jackson Bluff Landing on the Waccamaw River off of Jackson Bluff Road in Conway.
In addition to these student groups, we are very pleased to welcome the University Chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity to the Adopt-a-Landing Program. Led by Richard Thompson, the brothers of Pi Kappa Phi will adopt the Conway Marina Landing on the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway.
We are planning our first multi-site cleanup to include all adopted landings on Saturday, Sept. 17, to coincide with the official South Carolina Beach Sweep/River Sweep and welcome all students to join in at one of the landings mentioned above. After the cleanup, student volunteers are welcome to join the Riverkeeper at the Conway Marina for a cookout beginning at noon.
We are so proud of our student leaders for their commitment to our community and to our natural heritage. Welcome to the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® Adopt-a-Landing Program!
The Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to protect, preserve, monitor and revitalize the health of the lands and water of the greater Winyah Bay watershed. Through the Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER® Program, we educate and advocate for the protection of the Waccamaw River Watershed. We engage the local community as watchdogs and community stewards of this important local resource that provides drinking water, recreational opportunities, habitat for important plant and animal life and aesthetic beauty for our families and our future. For more information, visit our website at www.winyahrivers.org
Invest in your river...become a member and support our efforts for fishable, swimmable, drinkable water for our families and our future - www.winyahrivers.org.
Christine Ellis, director
Waccamaw RIVERKEEPER®
A program of Winyah Rivers Foundation
