Conservation, cleanup efforts of Auburn staff win Government Partner Award

The conservation and volunteer efforts of Auburn University employees continue to earn major recognition.

The Help the Hooch Cleanup was chosen by Rivers Alive as the 2022 Government Partner Award winner. The award was presented to the Fort Benning Department of Public Works, or DPW, Environmental Programs and Auburn University Intergovernmental Service Agreement, or IGSA, Clean Water Team at the Rivers Alive awards ceremony and luncheon on April 27 in Atlanta. Team Members Erin Perry (NPDES Compliance Technician), Jasmine Truitt (NPDES Compliance Specialist), Anthony Harrington (GIS Specialist) and Jack Hovey (NPDES Compliance Specialist) were recognized.

The Help the Hooch event was held on Oct. 14, 2022, and began at the Uchee Creek Marina. The cleanup event was open to soldiers, families and partner organizations and helped to remove an estimated 130 bags of trash, 31 tires and about 500 pounds of metal. The most common items included plastic bottles, aluminum cans and fishing supplies.

The Help the Hooch is an integral conservation event to help maintain a vital portion of the Chattahoochee River. The river is home to over 20 species of freshwater turtles, nine threatened and endangered species and one of only two trout streams that flow through a major urban area.

Auburn University faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in the 2023 Help the Hooch cleanup event. Information about the 2023 event including registration information and dates will be advertised on campus and Auburn News.