In celebration of Earth Day, the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) joined forces with the Mobile Housing Authority, Osprey Initiative, SCS Engineers, and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to conduct a large-scale litter cleanup at Gulf Village Homes in Prichard.
The event marks the beginning of a broader effort to address chronic flooding and water quality issues in the area, aligning with the implementation of MBNEP’s Western Delta Watershed Management Plan. The Gulf Village community site, long plagued by standing water and drainage issues, will soon benefit from flood mitigation infrastructure improvements—but first, the trash had to go.
“We are here with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program working in Gulf Village in the City of Prichard to help remove old litter and debris from the drainages around the community,” said Cassie Eldredge-Hill with Osprey Initiative. “We are proud to partner on this project to remove the debris and assist in mitigating flooding within the community.”
Volunteers from the SCA’s GulfCorps team and environmental professionals from SCS Engineers cleared 3,800 lbs of debris and litter from storm drains, ditches, and green spaces. The goal of the clean-up was not only to improve the neighborhood’s appearance, but also to directly contribute to reducing pollution flowing downstream to Chickasaw Creek and the Mobile River.
“I think it’s great— it may seem like we did a whole lot but there is still a lot to do,” said Christopher King with SCS Engineers. “Every little bit helps, and we’re happy to be out here for Earth Day. We’re glad to be a part of the solution to the ongoing problem of litter and trash in our waterways.”
This cleanup represents one of the many projects under MBNEP’s watershed-based management plans that aim to restore ecological function, improve community resilience, and engage residents in environmental stewardship.
Marie Mhoon, Resident Services Director with the Mobile Housing Authority, emphasized the broader community impact: “Events like this allow us to educate and engage the community, encouraging better litter and waste disposal habits. We are truly grateful to Osprey Initiative, the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, SCS Engineers, and the Student Conservation Association for their commitment and support. Together, we’re making meaningful progress toward a safer and stronger Gulf Village.”
This cleanup is one of many projects under MBNEP’s watershed management plans, which aim to restore ecological function, build community resilience, and foster environmental stewardship.
“Collaborative efforts like this cleanup at Gulf Village demonstrate the power of partnership in protecting and restoring our local environments,” said Roberta Swann, executive director of the MBNEP. “By working together—across agencies, organizations, and communities—we can create lasting solutions that not only reduce flooding and improve water quality, but also empower residents to take part in shaping a healthier, more resilient watershed.
This story originally appeared in the Mobile Chamber Business View Weekly. You can read the original story online here.
