After the deluge on July 14, which also flooded our members’ basements and business premises, we wanted to help clear the trash along our local streams. Two babbling brooks, Caumerbeek and Geleenbeek, originate in the Heerlen area, which were transformed into inland seas on the 14th of July. However, it turned out that there was not much waste here for a clean-up campaign and that did not motivate participants. That is why we participated in a Maas Cleanup campaign by IVN Elsloo.
On September 18, 13 members, partners and youth of our club started with other volunteers from IVN Elsloo on a run-out area (at high water) of the Maas between Elsloo and Geulle. Two kilometers long area with high willow bushes. Then a piece of plastic bags came into the trees. Great to do with the waste tongs.
Until we got to the denser undergrowth. The river Maas had created a whirlpool when the floodplain was filling up and this meant that the larger waste furthest away from the river was trapped between dense undergrowth when the water subsided.
With the satisfied feeling that we really had collected a lot. But we also saw what was still there that should not go to the sea at the next high water. Other organizations as IVN and Staatsbosbeheer will continue with this shortly.
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
