Cleanup Of Litter-Plagued Stream Planned In Hybla Valley

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — Little Hunting Creek was once called "Fairfax County’s Trashiest Stream" for a reason. In past cleanups, items such as shopping carts, tires and other trash have been removed by volunteers from the stream. The next annual cleanup will be hosted on Saturday, April 30.

The annual Little Hunting Creek Cleanup will be held by state Sen. Scott Surovell, Del. Paul Krizek, and Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for the cleanup from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Fairfax County named Little Hunting Creek the trashiest stream in 2007. According to Surovell's office, the presence of trash in Little Hunting Creek is caused by an inadequate stormwater system, the presence of nearby retail, and a concentration of apartments with trash containment problems.

Surovell, the Friends of Little Hunting Creek and other volunteers have held cleanups in the last 12 years. In that time, they have removed 228 shopping carts, over 500 bags of trash, over 60 tires, over a dozen bikes, and numerous liquor and beer cans. Some unusual items removed have included a metal jungle gym, a bathtub, a bounce house, a lawn chair and multiple car seats.

At the April 30 cleanup, volunteers will remove trash, litter, and debris from two sites where the creek where it originates in Hybla Valley. The two sites are the Mount Vernon Shopping Plaza Near Sherwin-Williams Paint Store (northeast corner of shopping center, enter from Fordson Road) and Janna Lee Avenue at the bridge over Little Hunting Creek.

Water, trash bags, and cleaning supplies will be provided to all volunteers. After the cleanup, volunteers can head to Fort Hunt Park for the Cinco De Surovell event.

The cleanups are successful with the help of the Mount Vernon community, according to Surovell's office. Volunteers can gain high school and middle school community service hours if needed or simply raise awareness about the local ecosystem.

To sign up for the cleanup, fill out this form.