Lake+Wheeler+Big+Sweep

On Saturday, March 24th, I volunteered at Lake Wheeler's Big Sweep to help pickup trash around the lake. We were given gloves, a trash collecting device, bags to collect trash and recycling, and a recording sheet to document the different kinds of trash we picked up. From 9 AM to 11AM we walked through different parts of recreational areas around the lake and discovered many harmful objects. For example, we found over 10 cigarette butts in just one small picnic area! It is baffling how much trash people leave around even when there is a trashcan close by. After picking up and disposing of the trash, we listened to representatives from the local fire department and grease disposal companies on how to properly get rid of grease and other harmful substances. This is related to environmental science because we helped prevent harm to wild animals and keep toxins out of the soil and water.