Submitted
Submitted photo. A group of volunteers from Rabun Trout Unlimited prepare to pick up trash at Earls Ford.
Members of the Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited recently held a trash cleanup at Earls Ford, a popular fishing stream off Warwoman Road.
Sixteen volunteers collected 20 large bags of trash along a 2.5-mile stretch from Earls Ford to the Warwoman Creek Ford, at the Chattooga River kiosk (Georgia side) and in the Chattooga River parking area (South Carolina side). Aluminum beer cans were the most commonly found item, followed by drug paraphernalia, especially in the Earls Ford area. A downspout was the most unusual item recovered.
The staging area for the cleanup was graciously provided by Hatch Camp and Art Farm.
Improving habitats that support trout populations is the primary mission of Trout Unlimited. The Rabun Chapter has a well-earned reputation for supporting clean waters and wild trout both directly, through hands-on stream enhancement activities, and through financial support of conservation, research and education.
Up next, Rabun TU will be helping the U.S. Forest Service improve habitat for wild trout in Reed Creek, a small tributary of the Chattooga River, on Thursday, April 27. To volunteer, call Conservation Chair Steve Perry at (828) 371-1633 or email flygide@gmail.com.
Rabun TU meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church.
All are welcome.