Volunteers pick up trash along the James River near Ancarrow’s Landing. Credit: JRAC

More than 600 volunteers in 13 locations yesterday cleaned the James River and its banks of trash and recyclables during the 19th annual James River Regional Cleanup.

In all, 417 bags of trash and 235 bags of recyclable material were removed from 18 sites between Lynchburg and Newport News. The annual event is organized by the James River Advisory Council and partners, including nonprofit organizations, friends groups, businesses, local governments, state agencies and individuals.

“I’m always amazed and thrilled at how many dedicated volunteers we have to help with this event,” JRAC Executive Director Kimberly Conley said. “We’re tremendously grateful and thank everyone who have made the James River Regional Cleanup a success for another year.”

Of the 672 volunteers, 41 were in canoes or kayaks and five were in powerboats. Other volunteers scoured the riverbanks or picked up along roadsides. They pulled 46 tires from the water.

The James River Regional Cleanup is the kickoff for James River Week, which offers numerous activities for people to celebrate the river.

For more information, call 804-748-1567, or email conleyk@chesterfield.gov  or  julie.buchanan@dcr.virginia.gov.