Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by participating in the annual Clean the Bay Day event. Held at the Lafayette River Annex (LRA), this year's effort successfully removed a significant amount of litter and debris, contributing to the ongoing protection and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Since its inception in 1989, Clean the Bay Day has become a cherished tradition in Virginia, drawing thousands of volunteers to rivers, streams, beaches, and parks throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This event provides an opportunity for individuals, families, military installations, businesses, clubs, and civic and church groups to give back to their local waterways. Over the years, more than 165,500 volunteers have participated, removing over 7 million pounds of debris from more than 8,250 miles of shoreline.
Timothy Wenk, branch manager for the Air and Water Compliance Branch (EV11) at NAVFAC Atlantic and co-coordinator of NAVFAC Atlantic’s event, expressed his satisfaction with this year's results. "Thank you all for your support with NAVFAC Atlantic’s efforts with Clean the Bay Day this year. I really appreciate you taking the time to help clean up the Lafayette River Annex and remove a substantial amount of treated wood, plastic, and other debris from our shoreline, fence line, and the overall compound," Wenk said. "We are very fortunate to get to live and work in an area with a resource like the Chesapeake Bay, so it is important for us to do small things like this to help protect the bay. The support from the command and the volunteers for this event was fantastic and greatly appreciated."
This year's cleanup at LRA was a tremendous success, with volunteers collecting an impressive 850 pounds of material. Despite the relatively small area covered, the haul included a variety of items such as treated wood, plastic, and other debris. Volunteers demonstrated their dedication by braving muggy weather and overgrowth to ensure the success of the cleanup.
In addition to litter removal, NAVFAC Atlantic volunteers have also engaged in other restoration efforts over the years, such as planting oyster beds along the shoreline of the Lafayette River Annex. These oyster beds play a crucial role in improving water quality in the Lafayette River, which is part of the Chesapeake Bay.
Clean the Bay Day continues to be a vital event for the Chesapeake Bay community, highlighting the importance of environmental protection and community involvement. NAVFAC Atlantic's dedication to this cause underscores the value of collective efforts in preserving natural resources for future generations.