LIVE OAK, FLA., August 29, 2025 – Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and as many residents will flock to natural water resources to celebrate, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) is encouraging them to “Leave No Litter” during their visits.
The “Leave No Litter” campaign urges residents and visitors alike to enjoy local springs, rivers, lakes, and District lands responsibly by picking up trash and being good stewards of the environment. This is especially important during the summer months when outdoor activities increase.
The District is incorporating these messages into social media posts throughout the weekend as a reminder.
“We know a lot of residents and visitors enjoy the outdoors during the three-day Labor Day weekend, and we want to remind them to Leave No Litter on their excursions,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “When you litter, it doesn’t just disappear – it can end up in our rivers and springs, be unhealthy, and can even obstruct the flow of water. Let’s respect these natural resources by keeping them clean and keeping them beautiful.”
Litter can also make our springs unfit for swimming, spur the growth of algae blooms, as well as impact wildlife and cause serious ecological harm.
To help prevent this, here are some tips to keep our natural resources clean:
- Dispose of trash properly. Cans, bottles, plastic bags, and other trash can harm water quality and wildlife, and destroy the natural beauty of the springs.
- Tubers, swimmers, snorkelers, and divers should avoid standing in vegetation or kicking up silt. This could destroy native vegetation, which can encourage the growth of invasive plants and algae and reduce habitat for fish and wildlife.
- Stick to designated paths and avoid climbing on the banks of rivers or springs – disturbing native vegetation and soils could hasten erosion.
- If using a boat with a motor, raise the motor in shallow water to avoid destroying native vegetation and wildlife.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
###
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
