Tidal Marsh Clean-Up Scheduled in Charleston This February

News Summary

Join Charleston Waterkeeper on February 15, 2025, at Waterfront Park for a tidal marsh clean-up focused on removing harmful nurdles. Volunteers can learn about microplastics’ impact while contributing to preserving local waterways. Register online to take part in this important community event.

Get Ready, Charleston! Tidal Marsh Clean-Up Coming This February

Charleston, a city known for its stunning waterways and rich history, is gearing up for a community-friendly event that promises to give back to the environment. On February 15, 2025, at 3 p.m., volunteers from near and far are invited to join in the fun at a tidal marsh clean-up event hosted by Charleston Waterkeeper, a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to protecting local water resources.

What’s Happening?

The clean-up will take place near downtown’s picturesque Waterfront Park, a prime spot for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Participants can register online ahead of time to secure their spot in this important event focused on tackling a not-so-fun aspect of pollution: plastic pellets commonly known as nurdles.

Why Nurdles?

Nurdles are tiny plastic pellets that are used in the manufacturing process of countless plastic items. Unfortunately, they sometimes find their way into our environment due to leaks during transportation. Once they escape, nurdles can easily mingle with marsh environments, making them incredibly challenging to spot without a determined search.

The clean-up is not just about picking up litter; it’s part of a collaborative workshop involving a trio of environmentally conscious groups: Charleston Waterkeeper, Charleston Surfrider, and the Public Interest Research Group. Participants will not only roll up their sleeves but will also learn how to sample and document the presence of nurdles in the marsh, contributing to a larger understanding of the pollution issues affecting Charleston’s beloved waterways.

The Bigger Picture

Tackling nurdle pollution isn’t just a local concern; it’s part of a significant global issue involving microplastics. These tiny plastic particles have a detrimental effect on marine life and, ultimately, human health. Numerous studies and reports indicate that these nurdles can be ingested by wildlife, leading to hazardous consequences that could ripple through the food chain.

In fact, volunteers involved in previous beach clean-up efforts have collected over 28,400 nurdles around Charleston since 2019—proof that it’s a persistent problem. Adding to the urgency, the South Carolina Ports Authority reported a staggering 43% increase in nurdle exports in 2023 compared to the previous year. This surge in exports raises red flags about the potential increase in pollution entering local waterways.

Join the Movement!

The Charleston Waterkeeper and their partners are calling on locals to come out, lend a hand, and have some eco-friendly fun while learning about the very real effects of plastic pollution. So why not grab your friends, your family, or even just yourself, and join this cause? Every little bit helps in making our beautiful city an even better place for both people and wildlife.

Mark your calendars, register online, and let’s work together to keep Charleston’s marshes clean and safe! See you on February 15th!

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Additional Resources

• Count on 2 News: Charleston Waterkeeper Workshop
• Wikipedia: Microplastic
• ABC News 4: Microplastics in Charleston Waterways
• Google Search: Charleston waterway pollution
• Post and Courier: Plastic Nurdles in Charleston Harbor
• Google Scholar: Plastic Pellet Pollution
• Charleston City Paper: Water Bacteria Levels
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Pollution
• Live 5 News: Record High Bacteria Testing
• Google News: Charleston water bacteria