What have we done? Results:


Virginia Waterways Cleanup (Part of the International Coastal Cleanup)

Between 1995 and 2010, more than 2.2 million pounds of trash were collected and recorded by more than 55,400 volunteers during the annual "International Coastal Cleanup in Virginia". See details on our cleanup results by using this link. CVW thanks the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, Ocean Conservancy and Altria for support of this statewide stewardship program.

Litter Prevention Education

CVW has placed bi-lingual anti-litter signs in state and national parks where litter is a major problem. CVW has also worked to develop litter prevention programs for college campus and beach communities. CVW is a leader in researching the #1 source of litter on earth—cigarette butts and also educates people about the negative impacts balloons and their ribbons have on wildlife. CVW's executive director has served as a consultant on many litter-prevention projects throughout the U.S., and has been extensively interviewed by TV, radio and newspapers on litter-related issues. CVW partners with Keep Virginia Beautiful, Keep America Beautiful, VA Department of Environmental Quality and others to fight litter pollution.

Rain Barrels and Water Conservation

CVW has trained more than 250 non profit organizations and local governments on how to offer Rain Barrel Workshops in their communities. CVW provides powerpoints, handouts, workshop planning tips and support. Tens of thousands of rain barrels are being used by homeowners in Virginia thanks to this popular program and our partners. CVW thanks the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, the Virginia Environmental Endowment and Altria for support of this program.

Working with Teachers

CVW, working with Dr. Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Professor of Science Education at Longwood University, wrote Virginia's Water Resources: A Tool for Teachers. These lesson plans and other curriculum materials are a valuable resource for teachers about Virginia's waterways (click here for details). CVW also conducts workshops for teachers that explore water, watersheds, the water cycle, water pollution, and other water-related topics. Some of these teacher workshops have been sponsored by a grant from the Dave Matthews Band, while others received support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program and Altria.

Water Quality Monitoring

CVW, working with Dr. David Buckalew, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Longwood University, started the Appomattox River Water Quality Monitoring Program, and is active with water quality monitoring throughout the state. CVW's executive director is on the Virginia Water Monitoring Council's Steering Committee (www.vwrrc.vt.edu/vwmc)., and is co-author of the U.S. EPA's Estuary Volunteer Monitoring: A Methods Manual.

Clean Virginia Waterways has won awards from the Virginia Governor, the Secretary of Natural Resources, and many local, regional and statewide groups for its work in water education and stewardship.

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Clean Virginia Waterways, Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909
434-395-2602 Fax: 434-395-2978 Email: cleanva@longwood.edu