Aiken County, September 25, 2025

News Summary

The Edisto River Sweep, a community-driven cleanup event, is set for September 27, inviting all to help maintain the natural beauty of the Edisto River. Volunteers will receive supplies for litter collection on land and the river, promoting wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. Participation is encouraged from various groups, emphasizing Aiken County’s commitment to preserving its ecosystems. Previous events have successfully removed tons of litter, making this initiative vital for both environmental health and community engagement.

Aiken County Announces Annual Edisto River Sweep for September 27, 2025

The Edisto River Sweep is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, inviting individuals, families, schools, youth groups, civic and conservation clubs, and businesses to participate in this vital cleanup effort. The event will kick off at 9 a.m., focusing on the South Fork of the Edisto River.

Volunteers will check in and pick up supplies at 1145 State Park Road, located at the corner of Old Tory Trail and State Park Road. Most of the participants will engage in litter pick-up on land surrounding Aiken State Park. A limited number of volunteers will actively remove trash from the Edisto River, guided by Park Manager Kristi Floyd.

This year marks the fourth consecutive year that Keep Aiken County Beautiful has partnered with Aiken State Park for the statewide cleanup effort, which is organized by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources in collaboration with The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

The Edisto River, recognized as the longest free-flowing blackwater river in America, holds the distinction of being the only major river system entirely contained within South Carolina. The importance of keeping the Edisto River clean extends beyond aesthetics; it plays a critical role in protecting wildlife, preserving delicate ecosystems, and safeguarding a significant natural treasure for the state.

Over the past 35 years, Beach Sweep/River Sweep volunteers in South Carolina have collectively collected and recycled over 1,300 tons of litter. In the previous year’s event, 48 volunteers from Aiken County collected 480 pounds of trash along four miles of roadway and riverbank.

The Edisto Riverkeeper, Hugo Krispyn, will share insights into the river’s history and ecology during the event. Volunteers will receive trash bags and safety gear provided by Keep Aiken County Beautiful and PalmettoPride. Participants are advised to wear closed-toed shoes and long pants to ensure safety during the cleanup.

For those interested in participating or needing more information, inquiries can be directed via email to [email protected] or by visiting aikencountysc.gov/KACB.

Keep Aiken County Beautiful is dedicated to strengthening Aiken County by promoting beautification efforts, reducing litter, and inspiring community involvement in maintaining the area’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Aiken County Cleanup
• Wikipedia: Edisto River
• Count on 2: Woman Rescued on Edisto River
• Google Search: Edisto River cleanup
• SC Daily Gazette: Energy Bill
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Blackwater River
• Live 5 News: Missing Child Recovery
• Google News: South Carolina flooding
• Post and Courier: Flash Flood Warning Criteria
• Google Scholar: Edisto River conservation

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.