GILES COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – From boats to canoes, to campers and oil tanks, just about anything washed up along the New River in Giles County during Hurricane Helene.
The annual “Renew The New” cleanup project Saturday, April 5 will focus on clearing out the damage and debris caused by Helene to make the New River beautiful once again, using boats to do so.
County Administrator Chris McClarney says this big undertaking to clear up damage will be a huge step in the County’s overall hurricane recovery efforts.
“There’s a lot of metal and other debris there that potentially could be dangerous to boaters and kayakers. We want to make sure that we enhance that experience as much as possible, and when they come here, they see a beautiful, pristine river like it was prior to September.”
From Pembroke to Rich Creek, volunteers will be stationed at nine sites along the New River. The cleanup efforts will cover about 15 miles.
To lend a big helping hand, over 500 members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will also be on the islands picking up trash and debris.
“Having the privilege to be able to give back to our neighbors in Giles County and be able to help and provide this level of manpower to make the New River beautiful is amazing.”
Hazmat crews will be out helping as well.
Volunteers can meet at Eastern Elementary School at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Copyright 2025 WDBJ. All rights reserved.