STEELE CREEK NEWS

Big Sweep on Walkers Branch and Copperhead Island is October 7

(September 29, 2006) From the mountains to the coast, North Carolinians will be grabbing trash bags, putting on gloves, and sweeping waterways clean on Saturday, October 7th.  Charlotte-Mecklenburg needs volunteers to join in the good, clean fun!

Big Sweep is a great opportunity for individuals, families, youth groups, civic groups, and corporations to remove trash and debris from our streams, river, and lake shorelines.  Water pollution is more than just ugly.  Litter can be deadly to wildlife if they eat it or get tangled in it.  It's a health hazard that can even impact our drinking water supply.

Join your neighbors from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at one of thirteen pre-determined locations. Or  choose to clean the creek closest to your home! Two locations are in Steele Creek:

• Walker Branch Greenway, in the RiverGate Shopping Center.

• Copperhead Island, at the end of Soldier Road

Volunteers will be given gloves, bags, water, snacks, and bug spray at the location. Contact Erin Oliverio if you plan to participate so that she can have site coordinators prepared with supplies.

Some safety tips are:

• Wear clothes that can get wet and/or muddy and closed toe shoes/boots, no flip-flops or tevas, etc.

• Protect yourself from the sun.

• Volunteers 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

• Watch out for poison ivy, poison oak, snakes, yellow jackets and other stinging insects.

• Always clean with a buddy. If you or your buddy gets hurt, tell the site coordinator immediately.

• Be careful on creeks and riverbanks. They can be steep, slippery and unstable. If you're unsure of the conditions, find a safer access.

• Don't wade into creeks and rivers where the current is fast moving.

• Don't pick up anything that looks heavy. Alert the site coordinator so it can be picked up later.

• If you find an animal--dead or alive--don't touch it. Animals can carry diseases, and trapped or injured animals may bite. Report any animals found to the site coordinator.

• If it looks dangerous, it probably is -- stay away from it.

Remember, the Grand Opening for the Walkers Branch Greenway Trail is the next Saturday. Big Sweep participants can help get the greenway cleaned up for the ceremony. Contact Erin Oliverio or visit the Big Sweep web site if  you have questions.