Please join NCWF’s Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern NC chapter for their litter cleanup at Merchants Millpond State Park on Saturday, January 13th from 10 am – 12 pm. For the past several weeks, the wildlife chapter has been celebrating a Holiday Habitat Trash Party that encourages folks across our region to pick up litter throughout the holiday season. To start the new year off strong for wildlife and their habitats, let’s join together to clean up the Bennetts Creek Trail!

Bennetts Creek Trail snakes for two miles along the waterways of Bennets Creek itself. Before it became part of Merchants Millpond State Park, the area around Bennets Creek was historically used by the community as a dumping ground for trash and other refuse. The soft soil allowed for easy digging of sand pits. Evidence of these pits can still be found today as you hike along the trail. The creek serves as habitat for wildlife such as beavers, otters, marbled salamanders, northern flickers, the protected blueback herring, and dozens of other diverse species. Removal of trash will benefit these important species and help visitors better enjoy the park!

Volunteers are encouraged to bring water and should wear pants, long sleeves, and thick gloves. Trash bags, gloves and litter pickers will be provided. Since trash is not consolidated to one spot, volunteers should anticipate hiking between 1-2 miles total during the two hours.

 

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