Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Brian!

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On June 6th, in celebration of National Trails Day, Potomac Conservancy partnered with the National Parks Conservation Associate to host more than 80 volunteers along the Potomac and C&O Canal. 

Volunteers collected over 1,000 pounds of trash and thousands of pieces of woody debris. 

They also scrubbed grills and tables and rowed and paddled to collect litter from hard-to-reach shorelines!

It was Brian's first time at a cleanup along the Potomac. Hear what he has to say about his day of service! 

Q. How did you hear about today’s event?
One of my friends is a Facebook fan of NPCA, and I saw it as a suggested event that I might be interested in. So my girlfriend and I both signed up. 

Q. Is this the first time you've done an event like this?
Definitely the first time in a while and the first time around here.

Q. Before today were you aware that your drinking water came from the Potomac?
Vaguely. 

Q. Did it surprise you?
I guess not really, because it has to come from somewhere. And I’ve studied a lot about water. But I think it’s important for people to know that before leaving trash. 

Q. What’s your favorite activity to do on or along the Potomac?
I do a lot along the Potomac and the C&O Canal, and in the river. I do a lot of kayaking, and hiking and biking along the towpath, and just hanging out, having a picnic.

Q. Why is volunteer service important?
There’s a lot that the funding from the government can’t cover and a lot of man power they don’t have, so it’s important for people to come out and give their time. It also helps people feel invested in the area.

Q. Is there anything that surprised you today?
I've been kind of amazed at how many big logs end up along the shores of the river. I can imagine them floating down the river and taking out stuff. 

Q. If you could ask everyone to do one thing for the river, what would it be?
One thing I like to do, whenever I come out, pick up even just one piece of trash on your outing.

Get Your Hands Dirty For Clean Water

Potomac Conservancy would love to see you out on the shores of the Potomac. Find an upcoming opportunity to get outside for a cleanup by visiting our calendar of Upcoming Events > 

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