After the flood on 14 July, which also led to flooded cellars and business premises of our members, we wanted to help clear waste along our local streams. In the area of Heerlen, 2 babbling brooks Caumerbeek and Geleenbeek originate, which were transformed into inland seas on 14 July. However, there was not much waste here for a clean-up action and that does not motivate participants. That is why we participated in a Maas Cleanup action of IVN Elsloo.
On 18 September, 13 members, partners and youth of our club, together with other volunteers from IVN Elsloo, started on a run-off area (during high tide) of the Maas between Elsloo and Geulle. Two kilometres long area with high willow bushes and fence cattle. Fortunately, the cattle were at another end of the terrain. In the first part where we walked in, we found nothing. This turned out to have been cleared a few weeks earlier for clients of the probation service. (A joint photo would have been nice, but would probably have raised privacy concerns.) Then came a section with plastic bags in the trees. Easy to do with the litter pliers.
Until we got into the denser undergrowth. The Maas had created a whirlpool when this floodplain was filled, and as a result the larger waste was held furthest away from the Maas between dense undergrowth when the water subsided.
The IVN had arranged a special terrain tractor to remove the collected waste from this floodplain. Found rubbish bins were immediately used to stow further waste.
With the satisfied feeling that we had really collected a lot. But we also saw what was still there that should not go to sea at the next high tide. (IVN and Staatsbosbeheer will continue with this soon).
This is a great promotion for nature, but also gives a boost to the team spirit in your own Rotary club.
Jurriaen van Holthe tot Echten,
Rotary club Heerlen – Land van Rode
