Please contact by Monday, July 9 to participate in this clean-up with the Heritage Trust.

Time for a summer clean up of this charming little creek right in our own back yard. Once again, Brian Long with the Heritage Trust is counting on us to come out in force and have a good time while cleaning up the landing and creek of trash, with possibly some tree/branch/vine clean up as needed on the riverway. Lunch will be provided for the volunteers. There are two alternate take-outs planned. The one will be available at the 12th street landing. The Creek is pretty clear down to this landing. However, it will be possible for the more adventurous/skilled paddlers to go on down to the Old State Road Bridge for take-out. Brian hopes to have a 'path' cut through the brush by then. So there will be some choices depending on you and what you will be comfortable with. All paddling boats and skill levels are suitable for this trip. It should take 2-4 hours, depending on how much clean-up there is to do and how far you will choose to go. There will be more details from Brian closer to the trip.

We have always had a great time with club trips and the Heritage Trust so do plan on joining us.

Happy Trails, Kate

From Brian Long:

Dear Congaree Creek H.P. Steward,

On Saturday, July 14th, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Heritage Trust Program is hosting a cleanup day at the preserve. This year’s cleanup will be sponsored by a few local businesses. Adventure Carolina will be helping with equipment, shuttles, and giving away a few door prizes. Sub Station II of Cayce will once again donate lunch & water for all that sign up ahead of time. Palmetto Pride, the anti-litter organization, has donated equipment and supplies including trash bags, safety vest, and some litter grabbers.
Efforts will be concentrated on the area where Congaree Creek meets Highway 321 and the stretch of creek from 321 all the way to Old State Rd. This area at 321 and in the creek is in great need of some work to remove litter. Participants may work the stretch between 321 and 12th St. (2.5hr), 12th St. to Old State Rd. (2hr), or the whole distance from 321 to Old State Rd. (5-6hr). These times depend greatly on the water level on the day of the event.
A group working on land will be cleaning the area from the preserve parking at the Guignard Trail on Old State Rd. to the creek, the Guignard Trail, and other nearby areas.
This event will begin at 9am. Arrangements can be made for those who would like to start earlier. Those working in the creek will meet at the area in which they would like to start. All others will meet at the preserve parking area on Old State Rd. A shuttle will be available for those working in the creek
So that lunch and shuttle arrangements can be made, please call 734-3893 to sign up for this event no later than July 11th. Please specify which activity (creek or land) & area (which stretch of creek) you wish to work. Note that the section of trail from 12th Street to Old State Road is a lot more difficult to paddle. Some canoes are available for experienced paddlers. Call me to make arrangements for these.

I look forward to another productive cleanup at Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Brian Long, Cultural Preserves Manager
SCDNR
PO Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
longb@dnr.sc.gov
803-609-7057