Sailors from Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island and their families teamed up with local volunteers to clean up
park trails and beaches along the shores of Indian Island as part of the Earth Week celebration, April 25.
The team of more than 15 volunteers was divided up into three groups to clean up a two-mile long stretch of beaches.
The beach clean up began at Portage Beach, through Lagoon Beach and Isthmus Beach.
“Today service members and their families are out here to help with a local beach clean up as part of the Earth day and
Earth week celebration,” said Cmdr. George Whitbred, NAVMAG commanding officer. “The Navy goes to great lengths to
protect and preserve the environment.”
Throughout the afternoon, volunteers picked up aluminum cans, glass and every type of litter they came across. For one
volunteer the purpose of the clean up was a way to give back to the community.
“I am here to do my part with giving back to the community and to help keep the Northwest looking great,” said Gunner’s
Mate 1st Class Eric Gravert, Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island. “This place is such a rich, abundant area and we need
to help keep it that way for visitors and those who live in the area.”
Whitbred added that, “we all share the same Earth and we each need to help protect it and save it for future generations to
come.”
According to Julia Brokens, event coordinator, the successful cleanup was a direct result of the volunteers’ hard work and
dedication. Brokens thanked the Navy and volunteers for their participation and said she looks forward to working together
on future cleanup projects.
“I hope we can do more clean ups like this to keep our home beautiful,” added Brokens. “We are all here today to show we care
about our planet and we are doing what ever it takes to keep it clean. I also would like to say thanks to all the volunteers who
showed their support and the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation for allowing us to help with this project today.”