On the morning of Saturday, Oct. 6, a total of 37 volunteers contributed their time to clean up the Green River and Lake Adger on behalf of the citizens of Polk County.

Their efforts were part of the 2012 NC Big Sweep, a statewide effort to remove litter and debris from waterways and beaches. The total effort removed an estimated 840 pounds of trash and 480 pounds of recyclable material that was taken to the transfer station.

On and along the Green River, volunteers included Polk County High School ‘Green Team’ members Emily Kocher, Andrew Lee, Malynne Petoia, Maggie Phipps, Ben Stockdale, Leah Stockdale, Will Trakas and Mason Umlauf. Gail Stockdale and Green Team Director Joel Picher assisted the team. Representatives of the Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited included Steve Herring, Gene McGuire, and Linda and Mark Byington. Joe Cooper and Cathy Brettman represented Polk County Appearance Commission. Other volunteers from around the county included Eric and Harrison Waddell and Brian Taylor, as well as Christy, Steven and Reid Houser of Wilderness Cove Campground. Ken Weitzen and two other volunteers cleaned trash from the river from canoes on behalf of ECO (Environmental & Conservation Organization) of Hendersonville, and other volunteers pitched in during the day.