Shared by Robert N. Sparbel Volunteer Coordinator at Caledon State Park, as Guest Blogger.

Each year Caledon State Park hosts a one-of-a-kind volunteer event on Earth Day with a few of their trashy friends!

Twelve artistic creations were made from collected trash

It was a beautiful April morning when over 100 people gathered at the Caledon State Park in King George VA. After Colors presented by a Navy Junior ROTC color guard, and a welcome from the Chief Ranger, the hay wagon filled with people made its way to the shore line at Jones Pond.

A short safety briefing was given, gloves and bags provided by The Alice Ferguson Foundation were given out, and the beach combers were on their way. Almost immediately, one team announced they had found two “Instant Winner” pieces of trash. These were items to which cards had been attached stating the finder had found an “Instant Winner” prize which was free entry to a park event. Previous to Saturday six pieces of shoreline trash had been collected and “Instant Winner” coupons attached, and these items returned to the shoreline.

A short safety briefing was given, gloves and bags provided by The Alice Ferguson Foundation

Over the next two and one half hours the participants cleaned 79 bags of trash weighing 1154 pounds from the shore line and found all six “Instant Winner” coupons. Trash removed included tires (all mounted on wheels), crab pots, clothing, bottles, cans, and assorted plastic. 

Volunteers worked for two and a half hours picking up trash at Caledon State Park

At noon, we loaded up and headed back to the picnic pavilion where the Chief Petty Officers Association from the Dahlgren Base, provided lunch. After refueling, the participants’ artistic vibes took over. Twelve artistic creations were made from collected trash. Everything from flowers, to a throne for the King of Trash, to a family of unique members, to a robot town, and an Indian tee pee were created.

Then, it was time for the artists from the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts to judge the creations. The best in show art creation was awarded a one year parking pass. All were pleased to be recognized. We also recognized that people came from Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee as well as surrounding counties to attend the Earth Day Event.  

Click here to learn more about the beautiful Caledon State Park which is located on the historic Potomac River in Virginia!