On a cool Saturday morning in October, the Tucker Optimist Club joined with the Tucker Civic Association(TCA) in the 4^th annual Rivers Alive clean-up in Tucker. Rivers Alive is a Georgia state-wide volunteer event promoting waterway cleanup and awareness and protection of waterways and wetlands.

Publicity for the event began in August, and several planning sessions continued through September. Since this was the 4^th time this community project was being held, the event organizers benefited from past experience. The venue chosen was a neglected lake on the outskirts of Tucker, Georgia. In years past, this had been a popular destinationfor a relaxing day of fishing or just enjoying nature. The lake and surrounding property were privately held, but the county acquired the site several years ago with plans to make a public park. These plans are still under development.

The Tucker Optimist Club assisted in recruiting the volunteers for the clean-up and general planning of the event. On the day of the clean-up, Optimist members greeted volunteers, assigned areas for clean-up, handed out tools, gloves and trash bags. Optimists also rolled up their sleeves to clear overgrown vegetation, pick up trash and haul junk. Participants at the clean-up included Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, Junior ROTC Cadets, TCA members and many area residents. There were 160 volunteers in all.

A group of volunteers cleared vines and underbrush that were engulfing a magnificent 200 year old oak tree. Another group dismantled a small hut that had collapsed. Many workers surrounded the lake shore picking up trash. There were volunteers in a skiff cleaning the water, with geese and ducks looking on. A significant improvement to the area was accomplished in only a few hours.

When the time came to end the cleaning for the day, the volunteers were provided lunch and entertainment. Several local restaurants and grocery stores donated food and beverages for the workers. A local resident played guitar and sang while we sat together and enjoyed the nice weather and newly cleaned area. Many tales were told about the size of vines cut down or the number of bottles found. The most unusual find of the day was a rotten softball that had a plant growing out of it! At the end of the day, we had collected bags of bottles and cans for recycling, cleared yards of overgrowth, tires, building supplies and 1 sink.

We’re already looking forward to our Rivers Alive event next year!

Photos by Susan Rickman and Mary Still