From the Kentucky Standard
By STEPHANIE HORNBACK
During the past four years, members of Bardstown Boaters and other volunteers, in conjunction with National River Cleanup, have pulled about four tons of trash and debris from Beech Fork River. The fifth annual Paddle Pickup is Saturday, and all ages are welcome to come lend a hand.
The condition of the river is a shame, Justin Janes, Bardstown Boaters environmental director, said, but the club hopes to help a little at a time. This year, it will tackle a new portion of the river, running west from the 31E bridge to just south of Blue Grass Parkway. The entire run will take about four hours. The county lent several industrial-size garbage containers for the effort, and the Boy Scouts will assist as well.
Participants should expect to get dirty and work their muscles, Janes said.
“It’s not an easy day on the river,” he said, but the payoff of knowing you’re working for a good cause is worth it. You’ll also get to see parts of Nelson County that you don’t normally see, Janes said.
Canoes and life jackets will be provided, or participants can bring their own. Life jackets are required. Trash bags, gloves and some refreshments will also be provided, but extras are welcome.
Volunteers will take to the water at 9 a.m., and the Bardstown Boaters Web site, www.bardstownboaters.com, advises getting to the meeting spot — the south side of the 31E bridge about a mile south of the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral — a few minutes early to sign in and get the canoes organized. A tent and banner will mark the meeting spot.
Prizes will be given for the most unique item found during the cleanup. Some of the trash has been there for decades, Janes said.
“You’d be surprised at the style of coke and beer cans we find.”
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