This year GLEE (Green Living & Energy Education) partnered with the DEP’s Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (OHT) team led by Ranger Amanda Linfors to host two cleanups around the bridgeheads of Niles Channel Bridge on Summerland Key and Ramrod Key.

In January, twenty-two volunteers turned up and made significant progress removing marine debris, discarded items and litter. Over a ton of marine debris and trash from the bridgehead, bike trail and surrounding mangrove areas was found on the Summerland Key end of the bridge, including tents, TV, oil drum and an assortment of plastic and glass items.

In April another group of volunteers tackled the Ramrod Key end of the bridge, bike trail and surrounding area. Items found included discarded tires, decaying mattresses and numerous bottles, cans, plastic, food containers, plastic bags and assorted debris.

 

Joining the GLEE volunteers and OHT were volunteers from FKNMS Team Ocean, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Reece & Associates Surveyors and FAVOR.  Participation in the  cleanups is open to all ages.

 

More cleanups along the Trail in other sections of the Keys are planned for later in the year.  Visit www.keysglee.com  or Contact [email protected] .