On March 7, a dozen energetic volunteers from HCCA’s Clean & Green Committee completed a massive cleanup at and around our main entrance and sections of the creek. They collected a total of 18 bags of litter plus a truckload of large items, including a shopping cart, two area rugs, and a metal tub from a washing machine. Some of the debris was likely remnants from Hurricane Helene.

One volunteer dug out a storm drain that had two feet of mud in it, while others focused on cleaning up around the Welcome to Haw Creek entrance sign. They even washed the dirt off the sign! 

The entire entrance area now looks pristine: no trash, no stray signs, the welcome sign area uncluttered and spring-ready, and the islands and sidewalks swept clean.

This is just one example of the many accomplishments of our local volunteers over the years. HCCA’s “Litter Brigade” was started 30 years ago by a small group of board members and community volunteers. Asheville GreenWorks later joined the effort, providing safety training, organizational expertise, and even bringing several groups of strong young helpers for badly needed creek cleanups.

Over three decades, a long line of Haw Creek volunteers have made tremendous contributions to keeping our neighborhood clean and green.

If you’d like to join this enthusiastic group, simply email HCCA at info@hawcreekavl.com.