Eco-Reps help clean up Horry County

More than 75 volunteers from multiple groups came together to help to clean up the Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area on Saturday, Feb. 25. This area is the newest addition to the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge and is located at the very end of Jackson Bluff Road in Conway.

The clean-up event was made possible with the leadership from students in the Eco-Rep Program at Coastal Carolina University, Keep Horry County Beautiful and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The collection included more than 45 bags of recyclables, 30 bags of trash and two construction dumpsters full of larger items. Some of the items included a hot tub, a parking meter, a rusted grill and multiple lawn chairs.

The groups involved included the Eco-Reps of the Sustainability Initiative at Coastal Carolina University, students in CCU environmental classes, the Waccamaw Trail Blazers Mountain Bike Club, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Keep Horry County Beautiful, staff from The Digitel Myrtle Beach and members of the community.

“The impact of volunteer clean-ups can be immense,” said Jennifer Sellers, sustainability coordinator for CCU. “I’m very proud of our students for taking the time out of their Saturday morning to make a difference in their local community.”

The Sustainability Initiative and the Eco-Reps were presented with an Award of Recognition for their collaboration and active involvement from the Keep Horry County Beautiful Committee during their meeting at the Horry County Government Center on Tuesday, Feb. 28. The award honors the voluntary commitment and selfless dedication in support of their mission of protecting the natural beauty of Horry County.

“Without their help, this wouldn’t have been possible,” said Christopher Klement, staff liaison for the Keep Horry County Beautiful Committee.